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Bill

SB 113

Require Recovery Residences to Obtain Behavioral Health Administration License

2026 Regular Session

Colorado would require state licensure for recovery residences, establishing regulatory oversight of sober living homes to standardize safety and quality standards.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · SB 113

Legislative bill overview

SB 113 would require recovery residences (sober living homes) in Colorado to obtain a license from the state's Behavioral Health Administration. Currently, many recovery residences operate without formal state licensure or oversight. This bill creates a regulatory framework to standardize operations, safety, and quality standards across these facilities.

Why is this important

Recovery residences serve as transitional housing for individuals in substance use disorder treatment and recovery, filling a critical gap between inpatient treatment and independent living. Without licensure requirements, there is no consistent accountability for resident safety, staff qualifications, or program quality—creating potential risks for vulnerable populations. Licensure could improve public health outcomes while also protecting legitimate operators from unfair competition with unregulated facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational burden and cost: Small recovery residences may struggle with licensing fees, compliance documentation, and administrative requirements, potentially forcing closures or price increases that reduce affordability
  • Housing availability vs. regulation: Stricter requirements could reduce the number of available recovery beds if operators exit the market, worsening housing shortages for people in recovery
  • Definition and scope disputes: Disagreement over which facilities should be included (peer-run vs. professionally-managed, different recovery models) and how rigidly standards should be applied across diverse operations

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

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