Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Supportive Housing Disabilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee hears bill to ease certification for mixed‑occupancy housing serving people with developmental disabilities
Summary
House Bill 731 would exempt certain apartment buildings that include units for people with developmental disabilities from residential licensure, allowing certification instead; sponsors and disability advocates said the change aims to expand affordable, integrated housing, while DHHS and disability‑rights groups urged careful safeguards and the
Representative Jessica Lamontagne introduced House Bill 731, legislation intended to expand supportive housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities by exempting certain mixed‑occupancy apartment buildings from full residential licensure and instead allowing certification when appropriate.
Nut graf: Sponsors said the bill would reduce regulatory and cost barriers that hamper creation of affordable, integrated housing units intended for people with disabilities; DHHS licensing officials and disability advocates supported the concept but urged careful safeguards and limits to prevent institutionalization or reduction in oversight.
Sponsor rationale and committee work: Lamontagne said the bill emerged from a special legislative study committee on housing and people with disabilities. She described two intended models: (1) integrated apartment buildings where some units are set aside for residents with disabilities who live independently and may receive services from outside providers, and (2) all‑inclusive residential communities providing housing and services from a single provider. The bill, as amended, exempts the first model from full residential licensure but would not exempt an all‑inclusive model that requires on‑site mandatory services.
DHHS and licensing: Doreen Shockley, manager of DHHS’ Bureau of Licensing and Certification, said the department helped craft the language and supports the bill’s goal to enable developers to create integrated apartment units without triggering full facility licensure. She emphasized that building and fire safety codes still apply and that certification would include safety reviews. Disability Rights Center and other advocates urged additional protections and recommended re‑referal for further study to ensure the scope of the exemption does not unintentionally create large institutional settings with diminished protections.
Community perspective: Parents and advocates described dire unmet needs: many adults with developmental disabilities remain in aging family homes because there is limited affordable supportive housing. Witnesses said the proposed exemption is a near‑term step to allow developers and community groups to create units at scale, with certification and oversight rather than full licensure for entire buildings.
Ending: The committee received mixed but constructive testimony and did not vote on the bill. DHHS and advocates agreed to continue work with legislators to refine the approach.
