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Committee approves IRACS standardization and statewide recovery-residence registry
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Summary
Lawmakers unanimously passed HB 12-96 to standardize the IRACS jail reentry program and create a statewide registry for recovery residences; supporters cited improved jail outcomes and safety while some members expressed concern about fees and regulatory barriers for small providers.
The House Health Committee voted 13-0 to pass House Bill 12-96 after testimony from law enforcement, recovery-organization leaders and people with lived experience. Sponsor Representative Bascom told the committee the bill will standardize the Integrated Reentry and Correctional Support (IRACS) model statewide and create a registration system for recovery residences.
Aaron Spalding, executive director of 1 Voice and former program manager for IRACS, described IRACS as bringing "individuals with lived experience into the justice setting to provide these supportive services," including intake, recovery planning and 30-day post-release supports. Spalding said IRACS helps start reentry on day one and connects people to continued services.
Sheriff Shane McHenry of Dearborn County praised local implementation, saying the program changed the jail environment and reduced critical incidents. "We're very blessed in Dearborn County to have a lot of programs... I don't understand why anybody would not want this program," McHenry said, describing fewer fights and better post-release appointments.
Supporters from Mental Health America of Indiana and the National Alliance for Recovery Residences said a registry and certification system would protect residents from uncertified or unsafe homes and improve placement decisions. Stephanie Anderson, MHAI chief operating officer, said independent evaluations show IRACS participants who complete the program have low return-to-jail rates and that uncertified recovery residences have documented safety and quality issues.
Opponents and some committee members asked whether creating a registry and certification would impose financial or operational barriers that could limit housing supply. Representative Hostetler asked for concrete examples of bad actors and warned that added fees and restrictions could be a hurdle for smaller providers; testimony included examples of unsafe conditions in uncertified homes.
Representative Bascom closed by saying the bill aims to protect people in recovery while not creating unnecessary barriers to entry: judges and prosecutors may be more willing to refer people to certified programs with oversight. The committee recorded the final vote as 13-0 in favor.
What’s next: the bill advances from committee with the record of broad stakeholder testimony and the author’s pledge to work with stakeholders on implementation details and certification costs.
