Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities.
AB 1095 aims to set clear parameters for the operation of alcoholism and drug recovery facilities, particularly those with fewer residents. The proposed amendments clarify that local governments cannot impose certain housing classifications or requirements that would otherwise apply to commercial entities. This can lead to an easier establishment of recovery facilities within residential neighborhoods, facilitating access to recovery services for individuals seeking help.
The bill was brought to a vote on March 28, 2017, where it saw a split decision resulting in 4 votes in favor and 9 against, illustrating the contentious nature of the subject matter among legislators.
Assembly Bill No. 1095, introduced by Assembly Member Harper, seeks to amend the Health and Safety Code regarding alcoholism and drug abuse recovery facilities. The bill redefines how these recovery facilities are classified, specifically maintaining that facilities accommodating six or fewer individuals are regarded as residential properties. This is significant as it provides certain protections and recognitions under the law, treating the residents and operators as a family unit for zoning purposes. The focus is to ensure such facilities are integrated into communities without undue regulatory burden.
A notable point of contention arises from the bill's exclusions regarding 'integral facilities,' defined as those serving seven or more individuals and managed collectively. Critics argue that this could lead to loopholes where larger operations might exploit this classification, reducing the effectiveness of local governance concerning land use and potentially overwhelming neighborhoods with increased facility density. There are concerns regarding how this might affect community dynamics, local infrastructure, and service provision.