The Tennessee General Assembly has passed legislation that gives Hamilton County and its cities and towns the authority to regulate sober living homes more effectively. House Bill 783, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, allows local governments to adopt ordinances or resolutions to manage the location and operation of these homes. “This bill came […]
The Tennessee General Assembly has passed legislation that gives Hamilton County and its cities and towns the authority to regulate sober living homes more effectively.
House Bill 783, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, allows local governments to adopt ordinances or resolutions to manage the location and operation of these homes.
“This bill came to me from a concerned mother in my district. One morning, while her children were walking to school, a violent shooting took place outside of a sober living home,” Martin said. “This bill would begin a pilot program in Hamilton County to strengthen the accountability of sober living homes.”
The legislation requires sober living homes located within 1,000 feet of schools, preschools or daycare centers to be certified by a nationally recognized recovery residence organization. These organizations are listed on the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ website.
Local governments also have the power to ensure sober living homes comply with zoning laws and local health, safety, fire and building codes. Additionally, the law mandates that operators get a recommendation or referral from a licensed health care provider or court before allowing a new resident.
The law ensures that all ordinances comply with the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, protecting individuals in recovery.
Sober living homes currently near schools are not affected by this legislation.
House Bill 783 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.