An Act relative to recovery housing in environmental justice communities

This bill establishes a new regulatory framework for recovery housing, commonly known as sober homes, in Massachusetts by repealing an older accreditation section and creating a new one. It requires all operators of alcohol and drug-free residences to apply for a "determination of need permit" from the state Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, which will conduct surveys to assess regional capacity and zoning restrictions. A key provision prohibits the issuance of permits for new recovery housing in designated "impacted communities," defined by specific criteria such as low income, high minority populations, or limited English proficiency. Additionally, the law allows operators to bypass local zoning laws that might otherwise restrict the operation of these facilities.