Senate Republicans Pass Bill to Tackle Fraudulent Claims Within Arizona's Sober Living Home Industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Senate Republicans Pass Bill to Tackle Fraudulent Claims

Within Arizona's Sober Living Home Industry

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Republicans are advancing a bill to protect against fraudulent activities surrounding sober living homes that provide a location for individuals to recover from prior substance use disorders.

Sponsored by Senator Frank Carroll, SB 1308 modifies requirements of the Department of Health Services (DHS) relating to the licensing, oversight, and regulation of sober living homes. The bill also provides guidelines for the inspection and penalizing of sober living homes that are noncompliant with applicable state and local regulations.

Currently, many sober living homes are unlicensed and unregulated by the state, leading to a number of fraudulent claims. This bill closes a loophole that is being exploited by fraudsters, as well as protects taxpayer dollars and the vulnerable individuals who reside in these homes across Arizona.

"SB 1308 provides a much-needed fix for a serious problem in our state," said Senator Carroll. "For too long, I have heard frightening stories about fraud and abuse at these homes thanks to the lack of regulation and licensing. This bill puts bad actors on notice and ends the gravy train of taxpayer dollars to those attempting to milk the system for easy money. I'm grateful for all those in support of this proposal and for my colleagues who helped get this bill across the finish line in the Senate."

If enacted into law, SB 1308 would establish minimum standards and requirements for all sober living homes across the state, including a mandate for DHS or a third-party contractor to conduct a physical on-site inspection of these homes to verify compliance with regulations in statute. The bill also sets disciplinary actions into motion if a sober living home is found to be in violation of the standards and requirements enshrined into Arizona law, and it increases the civil penalties for such transgressions. Several cities and towns supported this legislation in the lead-up to this vote.

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov