An act relating to recovery residence certification
Sponsored By: Sen. Samuel Douglass
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Recovery home removals have rules and safeguards
Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont’s certified recovery homes have updated removal rules that no longer expire on that date. These rules cover homes certified by a Health Department-approved organization. Homes can immediately remove or transfer residents for conduct affecting health or safety. Listed grounds include substance policy violations, repeatedly refusing required services, criminal charges, theft, disrupting another resident’s recovery, or threatening violence. Residents must sign an approved agreement and reaffirm consent after seven days. It must explain program rules, social standards, alternative housing, and backup plans when that housing is unavailable. Valid prescription medicines taken as directed are exempt from the substance use policy. Homes must give written or electronic notice stating the reason, date, and return options, and provide an approved grievance process. They must provide or arrange a stabilization or re-engagement bed or other temporary housing. Approved exit policies must explain how long beds are held during temporary removal and the conditions for returning. Homes must hold belongings for at least 60 days after permanent removal. Staff can enter at reasonable times when needed to operate the home, despite the usual rental-entry law. A relapse-related exit does not count as homelessness for emergency housing eligibility.
Voluntary certification and oversight for recovery homes
Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont’s substance use programs division is responsible for recovery homes. These shared homes support people recovering from substance use disorder through peer support, services, and community resources. The Health Department must create a voluntary certification program. Participating homes must meet Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences standards or those of another Department-approved certifier. The Department must file proposed rules by September 1, 2027, and adopt permanent rules by December 1, 2028. Rules must cover data collection, exit and transfer data, and annual reports to lawmakers measuring program results. A separate earlier reporting requirement is repealed on July 1, 2026. The Department can include a certification fee only after identifying a need, proposing it, and receiving legislative approval through law. This law itself imposes no certification fee.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Samuel Douglass
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Alison Clarkson
Democratic • Senate
Andrew J Perchlik
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Ann E Cummings
Democratic • Senate
Brian P Collamore
Republican • Senate
Christopher P Mattos
Republican • Senate
David H Weeks
Republican • Senate
Joseph "Joe" D Major
Democratic • Senate
Kesha K Ram Hinsdale
Democratic • Senate
Sen. Larry Hart
Affiliation unavailable
Martine Larocque L Gulick
Democratic • Senate
Patrick "Pat" M Brennan
Republican • Senate
Philip E Baruth
Democrat/Progressive • Senate
Randy D Brock
Republican • Senate
Richard A Westman
Republican • Senate
Robert W Norris
Republican • Senate
Robert Plunkett
Democratic • Senate
Russ H Ingalls
Republican • Senate
Scott L Beck
Republican • Senate
Seth Bongartz
Democratic • Senate
Steven Heffernan
Republican • Senate
Terry K Williams
Republican • Senate
Thomas I Chittenden
Democratic • Senate
Virginia "Ginny" V Lyons
Democratic • Senate
Wendy K Harrison
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Senate Message: Signed by Governor May 19, 2026
5/20/2026SenateSigned by Governor on May 19, 2026
5/20/2026SenateDelivered to Governor on May 13, 2026
5/13/2026SenateSenate Message: House proposal of amendment concurred in
5/6/2026SenateAs passed by Senate and House
5/5/2026SenateHouse proposal of amendment concurred in
5/5/2026SenateHouse proposal of amendment; text
5/5/2026SenateUnfinished Business/House Proposal of Amendment
5/5/2026SenateUnfinished Business/House Proposal of Amendment
5/1/2026SenateUnfinished Business/House Proposal of Amendment
4/30/2026SenateNew Business/House Proposal of Amendment
4/29/2026SenateHouse proposal of amendment
4/28/2026SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
4/28/2026SenateHouse message: House passed bill in concurrence with proposal(s) of amendment
4/24/2026HouseRead third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
4/23/2026HouseAction Calendar: Third Reading
4/23/2026HouseThird Reading ordered
4/22/2026HouseReport of Committee on Human Services agreed to
4/22/2026HouseRep. Holcombe of Norwich recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means
4/22/2026HouseRep. Bishop of Colchester reported for the Committee on Human Services
4/22/2026HouseRead second time
4/22/2026HouseAction Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
4/22/2026HouseNotice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment
4/21/2026HousePending entry on Notice Calendar, referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)
4/16/2026HouseRead first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services
3/11/2026House
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 103)Opens in a new window
5/28/2026
As Passed by Both Chambers
5/7/2026
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
5/7/2026
House Proposal of Amendment
4/24/2026
House Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
4/24/2026
As Passed by the Senate
3/16/2026
As Passed by the Senate (Unofficial)
3/16/2026
As Introduced
5/29/2025
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