BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 2491
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Date of Hearing: May 14, 2014
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Mike Gatto, Chair
AB 2491 (Nestande) - As Amended: April 22, 2014
Policy Committee: HealthVote:19-0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY
This bill defines a sober living home as a residential property
that is operated as a cooperative living arrangement to provide
an alcohol- and drug-free environment for persons recovering
from alcoholism or drug abuse, or both, who seek a living
environment in which to remain clean and sober, and that
satisfies specified requirements.
It also exempts sober living homes, as defined, from licensure
as alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities.
FISCAL EFFECT
Negligible state fiscal effect.
COMMENTS
1)Purpose . This bill specifies it provides a definition of sober
living home in order to "give both those purporting to operate
these facilities and local code and law enforcement agencies
the ability to determine whether residences housing former
drug and alcohol abusers are exempt from local regulation or
exercise of local police powers."
2)Background . Sober living homes are alcohol and drug free
living environments for individuals attempting to maintain
abstinence from alcohol and drugs. In contrast to alcoholism
and drug abuse recovery or treatment programs, because sober
living homes are private residences and do not offer treatment
services, they are not regulated by the state.
3)Related Legislation .
AB 2491
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a) AB 2335 (Mansoor) would have defined sober living homes
with certain criteria and exempted a sober living home or
supportive housing from licensure as an alcohol and drug
treatment program. AB 2335 failed passage in Health
committee.
b) AB 2374 (Mansoor) requires licensed residential
treatment facilities to report deaths and other unusual
events to the state within specified time frames and
requires organizations that certify alcohol and other drug
counselors to check databases of other counselor certifying
organizations prior to registering or certifying a
counselor. AB 2374 also being heard today in this
committee.
c) AB 395 (Fox) would have allowed licensed residential
treatment facilities to provide medical services by a
physician to residents to assist in detoxification and
treatment, under certain conditions. AB 395 was held on
the Suspense File of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
d) AB 40 (Mansoor) would have required licensed residential
treatment facilities to report deaths and other unusual
events to the state within specified time frames. AB 40
was held on the Suspense File of this committee.
Analysis Prepared by : Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081