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House passes bill to set minimum standards for sober living homes after floor debate
Summary
Lawmakers debated regulation, neighborhood safety and tribal concerns before the House approved Senate Bill 13‑08 to impose DHS minimum health and safety standards on sober living homes.
The Arizona House on April 15 approved Senate Bill 13‑08, which directs the Department of Health Services to set minimum health and safety standards for sober living homes, and to require policies for resident safety, overdose reporting and activities that promote independent living.
Supporters said the measure addresses unregulated sober living homes that can endanger residents and neighboring communities. “The bill is intended to require DHS minimum health and safety standards for sober living homes to include policies and procedures that require each sober living home to maintain an environment that promotes the recovery, health and safety of residents,” Representative Gress said during floor remarks, noting he worked with the Department of Child Safety to refine language for protecting caseworkers in schools on other bills.
Representative Aguilar, who explained his vote, said he has witnessed unlicensed sober living homes in his district and cited instances of public safety problems near such homes. “My neighbors have had enough, and nothing seems to ever get done with this issue,” he said before voting aye.
Some members noted the bill had been revised through negotiations; Representative Gress and Representative Sandoval said they wanted additional tribal and stakeholder input on remaining concerns but supported the measure as a step toward accountability.
The clerk recorded the final vote as 42 ayes, 10 nays and 8 not voting; the bill passed and was signed in open session per the transcript record.
