Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill allowing local governments to adopt ordinances that require a sober living home to be located at least 1,000 feet from any K-12 school, preschool or daycare facility passed the House State and Local Government Committee 15-7.
HB0783 would also allow for local governments to require operators of homes for individuals recovering from alcohol, drug, or other substance abuse to seek a clinical referral from a licensed healthcare provider before a placement in a recovery house is made. The referral would have to state that the placement in such a home is medically indicated for the individual.
Additionally, any ordinance or resolution that a local governing body may make must also comply with the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Greg Martin (R-Hamilton County-District 26), clarified the legislation, “does not aim to harm those seeking recovery, but it does aim to hold sober living home operators accountable,” and that the program as dictated in the legislation would only be piloted in Hamilton County.
Testimony was heard from Paul Stevens, the Virginia State Coordinator for Oxford House Inc., which operates 175 recovery houses in Tennessee and 4,000 houses nationwide. Stevens opposed the bill, stating it would, “establish barriers to housing that will limit access, drive up costs, and create critical delays for entry to supportive sober living for an already vulnerable population with limited resources and housing challenges,” speaking mainly to the bill’s provision which could implement mandatory medical referrals.
Stevens also believes the 1,000-foot distance requirement is unnecessary, saying, “I don’t think it’s a bad idea, I don’t think it’s a good idea, I don’t think it’s necessary. We have homes throughout the country that are that close to schools, and nobody has an objection to them whatsoever. They’re perfectly good neighbors and good members of the community.”
The Tennessee Conservative has previously reported on the complaints of parents about nearby recovery homes as an offender-run Hamilton County Oxford House had a record of frequent police calls and was the site of a shooting incident which occurred just four minutes after students walked past.
Rep. Michelle Carringer (R-Knoxville-District 16) voiced concerns over the requirements, or lack thereof, to reside in the recovery homes and expectations of self-governance by those attempting to live soberly. “I’m for giving people second chances and helping, addiction’s very real, but alcohol-free and drug-free homes, if no one is in charge and you’re expecting each other to obey the rules, that doesn’t happen. So, I was wondering what the requirements are and how do these people go about finding out about these homes to be a member of them?”
Stevens responded that though it seems counterintuitive, “sound research” indicates that their methods work “extraordinarily well”, and their model works better than any other staffed or managed model in existence. He also explained the main requirements for residency are paying an equal share of expenses and contributing to the overall operation of the house.
There was bipartisan voting both for and against the measure reflected in the 15-7 vote. Representatives voting “Yes” were Democrats Chism and Miller and Republicans Bricken, Burkhart, Butler, Carringer, Eldridge, Leatherwood, Littleton, Martin G, McCalmon, Powers, Rudd, Rudder, and Warner.
Republican Reps. Crawford, Howell, Moon, and Wright joined Democrats Dixie, Mitchell, and Salinas in voting “No”.
With its favorable passage, the bill will now be heard in the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee on Monday, April 14. To contact the members of the committee, use the information below.
HB0783/SB1381 Distances Recovery Homes From Tennessee Children
Rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov, rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mark.cochran@capitol.tn.gov, rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov, rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov, rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.lee.reeves@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.zachary@capitol.tn.gov
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
