Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB1217

Introduced
1/23/25  

Caption

Relating To Clean And Sober Homes.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 1217 could significantly influence state laws concerning zoning and health regulations related to clean and sober homes. By requiring registration and compliance with state and county standards, the bill aims to mitigate issues often associated with unregulated sober living environments, such as unsafe living conditions or mismanagement. The Department of Health is tasked with establishing a registry for these homes, which would assist in maintaining oversight and facilitate public access to information regarding their operation and compliance. Regular inspections are also mandated to ensure standards are consistently met.

Summary

House Bill 1217 aims to establish regulatory measures for clean and sober homes in Hawaii, specifically those housing five or more residents. The bill mandates that such homes acquire a conditional use permit from the relevant county, ensuring that they adhere to local zoning regulations. The measure intends to create a safer environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders by maintaining standards for operation and safety in these homes, which play a critical role in the rehabilitation process. With this change, the bill highlights the significance of regulated group living arrangements to better support recovery efforts.

Contention

However, the bill may face opposition from stakeholders who believe that such regulations could impede the availability of sober living environments. Critics may argue that the cost and bureaucracy associated with obtaining a conditional use permit could deter the establishment of new clean and sober homes or lead to the closure of existing ones that do not meet the new requirements. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, might contend that the benefits of improved oversight and the creation of a safer, more structured environment for residents far outweigh these potential drawbacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in facilities supporting recovery.

Companion Bills

HI SB1533

Same As Relating To Clean And Sober Homes.

Previously Filed As

HI SB2642

Relating To Clean And Sober Homes.

HI HB2750

Relating To Clean And Sober Homes.

HI HCR115

Requesting The Department Of Health To Assess The Registration And Monitoring Of Clean And Sober Homes.

HI HR96

Requesting The Department Of Health To Assess The Registration And Monitoring Of Clean And Sober Homes.

HI HCR178

Requesting The Department Of Health To Assess The Registration And Monitoring Of Clean And Sober Homes.

HI HR158

Requesting The Department Of Health To Assess The Registration And Monitoring Of Clean And Sober Homes.

HI SCR65

Urging The Department Of Health To Convene An Informal Working Group To Assess The Registration And Monitoring Of All Group Living Facilities As Described In Section 46-4(d), Hawaii Revised Statutes, Including Clean And Sober Homes.

HI SR53

Urging The Department Of Health To Convene An Informal Working Group To Assess The Registration And Monitoring Of All Group Living Facilities As Described In Section 46-4(d), Hawaii Revised Statutes, Including Clean And Sober Homes.

HI HCR163

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study To Identify The Number Of Fraudulent Clean And Sober Homes In The State.

HI HR142

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study To Identify The Number Of Fraudulent Clean And Sober Homes In The State.

Similar Bills

CA AB1568

California Emergency Services Act: Office of Emergency Services: donations system.

CA SB1164

Energy: building energy efficiency: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment: sale registry and compliance tracking system: compliance document data registry.

NJ A923

Requires DOH to provide for voluntary registration of trauma scene waste management service providers and establish trauma scene waste management registry.

NJ A2532

Requires DOH to provide for voluntary registration of trauma scene waste management service providers and establish trauma scene waste management registry.

HI SB2475

Relating To Education.

HI HB1392

Relating To Clean And Sober Homes.

NJ S2867

Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students.

NJ A1997

Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students.