Sober Living Accountability Act is Vetoed

AB 1696 (Sanchez), sponsored by CCAPP, would have required any government entity entering into a contract with a privately owned recovery residence to require that residence to submit specified documents, including written permission from the property owner to operate on the property, and the policies and procedures used by residents to address their right to access prescription and nonprescription drugs.

In his veto message Governor Newsom noted that privately-owned recovery residences are not subject to state licensure or certification. Therefore, AB 1696 would conflate current requirements for licensed or certified SUD recovery programs with new requirements for privately-owned recovery residences, which DHCS does not oversee or enforce. According to the Governor, this may create confusion among people seeking recovery services from licensed or certified programs or treatment facilities.