Cal Cities-sponsored recovery housing bills advance

By Caroline Grinder, legislative advocate (community services)

Two recovery housing bills sponsored by Cal Cities, SB 329 (Blakespear) and SB 490 (Umberg), are set to advance through the Legislature after summer recess. The measures respond to a state audit that found the state failed to thoroughly investigate complaints against residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities.

Among other things, the 2024 audit found that it takes the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) over six months just to assign complaints to analysts, and over a year to conclude investigative reports. Common complaints include sexual misconduct, poor medication management, and the use of unlicensed counselors.

Since 2023, Cal Cities has sponsored nine bills seeking to establish reasonable state oversight over the facilities. Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed four of the measures. Lawmakers held SB 329 and a version of SB 490 in the Assembly Appropriations Committee last year. However, both bills can still advance to the Governor’s desk because the Legislature is in the second year of a two-year session.

What do these bills do?

SB 329 requires DHCS to assign complaints against licensed facilities to an investigator within 10 days and to complete investigations within 120 days. The bill also requires DHCS to publish an annual report detailing the number of investigations conducted and how many exceed the 120-day timeline.

“Good government means acting quickly and decisively to protect the health and safety of the community,” said Sen. Catherine Blakespear in a press release last year. “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 490 applies similar timelines to complaints involving unlicensed sober living homes, while also allowing counties to partner with DHCS to conduct site visits and take a more active role in ensuring compliance. The bill also requires follow-up visits to confirm that violations have been addressed.

“Undermining recovery in one case undermines treatment and supportive recovery as a whole,” Anaheim Council Member Kristen Maahs told the Assembly Health Committee in June. “It is critical for all of us to ensure that recovery meets the highest standards, brings better outcomes and supports healthier communities.”

What can my city do?

Cities should submit support letters on both measures. Both must pass out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee by Aug. 14 to continue advancing this year. To learn how to make your voice heard, contact your regional public affairs manager.