Sponsored recovery housing bill clears key committee hearing

By Caroline Grinder, legislative advocate, and Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor. Additional contributions by Kayla Sherwood, senior communications and media manager

One of Cal Cities’ sponsored recovery housing bills passed out of the Senate Health Committee with bipartisan support. SB 329 (Blakespear) would require the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to complete timely investigations into complaints regarding alcohol or drug treatment facilities. 

“Residential recovery housing provides a range of benefits to some of California’s most vulnerable residents, and it is critical their needs are prioritized over profits,” Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua told lawmakers at the hearing.

A recent state audit found that DHCS has failed to investigate complaints consistently and thoroughly, jeopardizing patient and community safety. Specifically, auditors found it took  DHCS analysts nearly one year on average to submit investigative reports. Common complaints include sexual misconduct, poor management of medications for residents, and use of unlicensed counselors.

“There are approximately 30 licensed facilities in our city,” Amezcua said. “The majority of the alcoholism and drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities are concentrated in some of our neighborhoods facing the most challenges.”

Santa Ana, like many cities in Orange County, has a significant amount of recovery housing, most in residential neighborhoods. The lack of consistent and timely state oversight has put many vulnerable Californians in danger. 

While existing law requires DHCS to investigate complaints against licensed alcohol and drug treatment facilities, it does not establish timelines for completing those investigations.

SB 329 would set clear, reasonable deadlines — aligned with existing DHCS policy — to enhance public transparency and ensure providers deliver high-quality treatment. Amendments adopted during the hearing would require DHCS to notify complainants if a complaint falls outside their purview or if an investigation will take longer than 60 days.

“Good government means acting quickly and decisively to protect the health and safety of the community,” Sen. Catherine Blakespear said. “If an alcohol or drug treatment facility is not following state regulations and jeopardizing the health or safety of its residents or neighbors, the state should act promptly."

SB 329 is part of a larger suite of Cal Cities sponsored bills — AB 492 (Valencia), AB 424 (Davies), and SB 35 (Umberg) — that would address longstanding concerns over alcohol and drug treatment facilities. These measures will strengthen state oversight to protect residents and communities.

If your city would like to support these measures, please contact your regional public affairs manager.