All Roll Calls
Yes: 87 • No: 18
ArizonaSB 1308Fifty-seventh Legislature - First Regular SessionSenateWALLET
sober living homes
Sponsored By: Frank Carroll (Republican)
Signed by Governor
administrative clearance from local jurisdictionannual reportcertified sober living homeschange of ownershipcities and towns - title 9classificationcomplaintsconfidential informationcriminal code - title 13definitiondefinitionsdepartmentdeviation proceduredistance requirementseffective datefeesfingerprint requirements (h)fingerprinting divisionfingerprinting requirementsinspection waiverinspectionsinvestigationslegal actionlegislative findingslegislative intentlicensed sober living homeslicensurelicensure requirednotification of local jurisdictionsoperation requirementspenaltiespostingpowers and dutiesprohibitionpublic health and safety - title 36referralsrenewalsanctionssober living homesstandardsstate government - title 41substantial compliancethird-party contractorsunlawful patient brokeringuse of title
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.
More checks on sober living homes
The state must inspect homes before initial licensing and at least once a year, and investigate complaints alleging violations. It must inspect when local law enforcement requests it or the director finds reasonable cause to suspect a violation. The state can hire contractors to help, but not home owners, operators, administrators, accrediting bodies, or home associations. Required inspections add compliance steps for homes while giving residents and communities more oversight.
New rules for sober living homes
Arizona requires sober living homes to hold a current state license and certification. The state sets standards for resident rights, safety, medication-assisted treatment, recovery support, and complaints. Homes cannot require residents to give up public assistance, and licenses list the maximum number of residents, including staff. Some certified homes can get a license without initial or annual on-site inspections if they meet licensing rules, receive no government funding, and had no enforcement action in the past year.
Tougher penalties for unsafe homes
The state can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for safety violations, false information, or certain past license and credential sanctions. It can reject ownership changes that may put residents at risk and continue enforcement after a home is sold or closes. Penalties can reach $1,000 per violation for each person affected; unlicensed operators can face an additional penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. Each day counts separately, and homes linked to fraudulent or abusive health-care practices can also face penalties or license loss. Immediate safety threats can lead to limits on admissions, resident transfers, reduced capacity, or stopped services. A licensee can appeal within 10 days, and the hearing must occur within 7 business days; the state must inspect a home’s claimed compliance within 14 days.
Local rules for sober living homes
Some Arizona cities must create a process for sober living homes to request reasonable accommodations from local distance, building, or fire rules. Approval is not guaranteed. A city also cannot reclassify a single-family home under local building or fire codes only because someone applied for a sober living home license there. Other code requirements still apply.
Public contacts for licensed homes
The health department must post each licensed home’s name and phone number online and update the list quarterly. A home’s address is not public, but the department can share it with local officials for zoning, law enforcement, emergency response, or its contractor. Local governments that filed complaints can request status updates within 5 business days and get findings with residents’ identifying details removed. The department also notifies jurisdictions that provided contact information about new licenses issued in the previous month.
Referrals go to licensed homes
Covered agencies, treatment providers, and vendors can refer people only to licensed sober living homes. State or federal funding for sober living services is limited to licensed homes, and Arizona state courts must give licensed homes first consideration for people under their supervision. Health and recovery providers and sober living homes cannot offer or accept money or other benefits for covered referrals or home enrollment. The law sets felony penalties based on the value of the referral payment: Class 3 for $1,000 or more, Class 4 for more than $100 but less than $1,000, and Class 6 for $100 or less.
Fingerprint checks for home staff
Starting six months after the act’s effective date, homes receiving certain referrals must ensure that licensees and paid staff have fingerprint clearance cards or apply within 20 working days of starting work. A worker with a pending good-cause exception petition is temporarily exempt. A worker denied a card generally cannot stay on the job unless the worker completes required treatment and passes the home’s safety screening.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Frank Carroll
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Matt Gress
Republican • House
Selina Bliss
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/15/2025
THIRD: Passed
Yes: 42 • No: 10
Senate vote • 4/1/2025
C&P
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/17/2025
DP
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/4/2025
THIRD: Passed
Yes: 20 • No: 7
Senate vote • 2/5/2025
DP
Yes: 6 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Third Reading: Passed
4/15/2025SenateCommittee of the Whole: do pass
4/7/2025Senateundefined: C&P
4/1/2025Senateundefined: DP
3/17/2025SenateThird Reading: Passed
3/4/2025SenateCommittee of the Whole: do pass
2/27/2025Senateundefined: PFC
2/10/2025Senateundefined: DP
2/5/2025Senate
Bill Text
Chaptered Version
Introduced Version
Senate Engrossed Version