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Bill

SB 838

Recovery residences; certification required penalty, report.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Favola and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia mandates certification for recovery residences and penalizes non-compliance while requiring state reporting on facility standards and recovery outcomes.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0608)
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Bill Summary · SB 838

Legislative bill overview

SB 838 establishes a certification requirement for recovery residences in Virginia and creates penalties for operating uncertified facilities. The bill also mandates reporting on the state of recovery residences and their impact on substance abuse recovery outcomes.

Why is this important

Recovery residences serve as critical transitional housing for individuals in addiction recovery, and certification standards ensure minimum health and safety requirements. This legislation addresses the lack of oversight in a growing industry where unregulated facilities could endanger vulnerable populations or provide substandard care.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational burden: Certification requirements may increase costs for smaller or non-profit recovery facilities, potentially limiting access in underserved areas
  • Definition specificity: Ambiguity about what constitutes a "recovery residence" versus other supportive housing could create implementation challenges and disputes
  • Enforcement resources: State agencies will need adequate funding and staffing to conduct inspections, certifications, and investigations of facilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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