N.H. subcommittee debates HB 432 definition, certification and safety rules for recovery houses

CONCORD, N.H. — A legislative subcommittee on Wednesday heard hours of testimony on House Bill 432, a bill that would define “recovery homes” in state law, require certification by a recognized certifying organization and clarify which building- and fire-code waivers certified homes may receive.

The bill matters because lawmakers and stakeholders said it could expand capacity for people leaving treatment while limiting local governments’ ability to treat some recovery houses as congregate or commercial uses. Supporters said clearer state-level definitions and certification would raise safety standards and reduce stigma; municipal officials warned it could preempt local zoning rules designed to protect infrastructure and neighborhoods.

State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said his office helped refine the bill’s definition and supports the change as written so long as recovery homes meet fire-code requirements and certification standards. “I would love sprinklers everywhere,” Toomey said, later adding that the code allows annual fire-department inspections under Chapter 153 to ensure smoke alarms, alarms for places over eight people, egress and heating systems are functioning. Toomey said certified recovery homes typically get a waiver from…