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Bill

Bill

HB 931

Recovery residences; regulations.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marcus Simon

Virginia bill establishes licensing standards and regulatory oversight for addiction recovery residential facilities to improve quality, ensure safety, and expand access to structured recovery housing.

Governor's recommendation received by House
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Bill Summary · HB 931

Legislative bill overview

HB 931 establishes regulatory frameworks for recovery residences in Virginia—residential facilities that provide structured, drug-free environments for individuals in addiction recovery. The bill creates licensing standards, operational requirements, and oversight mechanisms to ensure quality and safety across these facilities.

Why is this important

Recovery residences serve as critical transitional housing for people with substance use disorders, filling a gap between intensive treatment programs and independent living. Standardized regulations protect vulnerable residents from exploitation, ensure consistent quality of care, and may improve long-term recovery outcomes while giving families confidence in facility legitimacy.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden vs. accessibility: Strict licensing requirements could reduce the number of available facilities or increase costs, potentially limiting access for lower-income individuals seeking recovery housing
  • Definition and scope disputes: Disagreement over which facilities should be classified as "recovery residences" versus other housing types could create definitional conflicts with existing regulations
  • Enforcement and inspection resources: The bill's success depends on adequate state funding and personnel to conduct inspections and enforce standards; underfunding could render regulations ineffective
  • Balancing resident privacy with oversight: Regulations must protect residents' rights while allowing sufficient monitoring to prevent illegal activity and ensure safety

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

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