Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB526

Introduced
2/18/26  

Caption

Mental Health; the licensing and regulation of recovery residences; provide

Impact

The bill creates a requirement for recovery residences to comply with specified operational standards, such as staff training, resident rights protections, and emergency preparedness. By enforcing these regulations, the state aims to enhance the operational integrity of recovery residences and provide better support to residents. The introduction of licensing and inspection protocols seeks to hold facilities accountable for their standards of care and operational practices, thereby improving overall service delivery.

Summary

Senate Bill 526, also known as the Recovery Residences Licensing Act, aims to establish a regulatory framework for recovery residences which support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The bill mandates that all such facilities be licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, ensuring they meet established safety and quality standards. This legislative measure addresses the importance of providing a safe environment for residents and introduces minimum operational standards this sector must adhere to.

Contention

While the bill is largely designed to protect residents and enhance the quality of care, there may be concerns surrounding the potential burden of compliance on smaller recovery residences. Critics could argue that the requirement for licensing may place financial and administrative pressure on new or small-scale facilities, possibly limiting access for individuals in need of these services. Additionally, ensuring compliance with stringent regulations may result in operational challenges for current facilities, particularly those without the resources to adapt easily to new regulatory frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB270

Recovery residences; regulations.

GA HB931

Recovery residences; regulations.

GA S1030

Recovery Residences

GA H0923

Recovery Residences

GA H1163

Certified Recovery Residences

GA S0954

Certified Recovery Residences

GA AB1556

An act to add Division 10.95 (commencing with Section 11999.45) to the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health.

GA H1165

Certified Recovery Residences

GA HB850

Provide licensing and regulation of community health workers

GA HB2289

Zoning; recovery residences.

Similar Bills

HI HB881

Relating To Public Utilities.

HI HB881

Relating To Public Utilities.

CA AB745

An act to add Article 6.

NJ A3806

Requires DCA to approve credentialing entity to develop and administer voluntary recovery residence certification program.

NJ S3479

Requires DCA to approve credentialing entity to develop and administer voluntary recovery residence certification program.

VA SB270

Recovery residences; regulations.

MI HB5302

Health: substance use disorder prevention; competitive grant program to provide grants for recovery community organizations; modify. Amends sec. 273b of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1273b).

VA HB931

Recovery residences; regulations.