Bill > S1062

This bill aims to ensure the safety of sober houses, which are defined as residences for more than four unrelated individuals recovering from chemical dependency, who are considered handicapped under federal law (42 U.S.C. 3601, et seq.) and voluntarily adhere to rules promoting recovery, including mandatory group therapy. Municipalities will be empowered to create zoning ordinances or special permits for sober houses as a reasonable accommodation under federal law, allowing exceptions to certain existing regulations. Operators of these sober houses will need to obtain an environmental license by submitting a written request detailing resident numbers and ensuring adequate living space. Furthermore, the Department of Public Health will establish rules and regulations for sober houses within six months of the bill's passage, covering aspects like private living accommodations, bedroom standards, written safety plans for emergencies, regular fire drills, and parking plans. The bill also amends existing laws to exclude sober houses from certain regulations concerning lodging and boarding houses, while imposing a 30-day notice requirement for lodging and boarding houses to inform local fire departments of occupancy, with penalties for non-compliance including daily fines and potential criminal prosecution for owners following a fire if notice was not given.