Committee Summary for House Municipal and County Government (02/19/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB432 00:08:43.519 - 9:07:49 AM	Public Hearing	relative to recovery houses.	Gibbs, Merryl(D)[CT]2024

HB432: Sean Toomey, State Fire Marshal Support00:08:43.519 - 9:07:49 AM; Sean Toomey, the State Fire Marshal, expressed support for House Bill 432, which focuses on refining the definition and regulations for recovery houses. He mentioned his office's involvement in defining the term 'recovery house' over the past year, especially in removing the term 'family-like' due to its vague nature in codes. Toomey emphasized the importance of recovery houses adhering to specific fire safety requirements like egress, fire alarm systems, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and functional heating systems to ensure safety and health. He also highlighted the necessity for residents to live as a single household to enhance their recovery process, which is different from other types of congregate living situations. He noted the fire code allows for annual inspections to maintain these standards and addressed concerns about sprinkler systems, stating that requiring them could jeopardize the operation of many recovery houses.
HB432: Bill McKenney, New Hampshire Building Officials Association Support00:34:22.079 - 9:33:28 AM; Bill McKenney from the New Hampshire Building Officials Association supported HB 432, emphasizing the importance of recovery housing for individuals who have completed treatment programs. He explained that amendments to building and fire codes in 2024 helped clarify the path for recovery housing, aligning with federal disability laws. McKenney highlighted the necessity of certification for recovery homes to ensure they meet operational standards, which is not required for boarding or rooming houses. He stressed that amending land use laws is crucial to address barriers and help curb addiction problems in New Hampshire.
HB432: Matt Sullivan, Nashua Information Only00:42:43.640 - 9:41:49 AM; Matt Sullivan from Nashua provided information on the city's experience with recovery housing, mentioning that Nashua allows recovery housing in various forms. He noted that while certification is not required, it represents best practices and community interests. Sullivan mentioned that they do not have increased police activity associated with recovery houses compared to other households, but some locations have been problematic. He offered to provide police data if the committee was interested.
HB432: Sam Derrey, Nashua Information Only00:50:11.079 - 9:49:17 AM; Sam Derrey from Nashua provided information but did not elaborate further in the transcript provided.
HB432: Representative Doan Information Only00:52:53.880 - 9:51:59 AM; Representative Doan expresses concerns about ADA compliance at Nashua City Hall. He questions the number of exceptions taken for non-compliance and emphasizes the importance of accessibility for all community members, including those with disabilities. He raises the issue of potential double standards in accessibility between public buildings and recovery houses.
HB432: Walker Information Only00:56:51.480 - 9:55:57 AM; Walker, presumably a city official or expert, discusses zoning and occupancy regulations in Nashua related to recovery houses. He explains that no specific exceptions or waivers are given for recovery houses under current zoning laws, but they are subject to general occupancy standards based on building type and size. He mentions a specific regulation about unrelated occupancy and how it applies to different types of buildings and their uses.
HB432: Representative Information Only01:01:47.559 - 10:00:53 AM; The representative inquires about the process for public input regarding the establishment of recovery houses. They question how local residents and neighbors can voice their opinions and concerns during the approval process, particularly when the change of use to a recovery house is handled administratively without a public hearing.
HB432: Walker Information Only01:02:35.160 - 10:01:41 AM; Walker responds to the question about public input, explaining that for single building changes of use to recovery houses, the approval is administrative and does not involve a public hearing. He notes that the impact of such changes is considered, but typically does not warrant a public process. He also mentions the importance of certification required by the proposed legislation as a comfort to residents.
HB432: Representative Information Only01:04:21.720 - 10:03:27 AM; The representative discusses the certification process for recovery houses, noting that it typically occurs after the house is operational. They inquire about public perception in Nashua regarding this process and whether the certification period could be reduced from a year to six months with possible extensions.
HB432: Walker Information Only01:05:52.680 - 10:04:58 AM; Walker responds to the certification timeline question, stating that he does not see a benefit in reducing the certification period to six months and feels unqualified to comment on the feasibility of achieving certification in that timeframe. He emphasizes the importance of the certification process as a protective measure.
HB432: Representative Information Only01:06:48.200 - 10:05:54 AM; The representative questions the necessity of the bill, suggesting that Nashua has already addressed many of the issues locally. They ask why state-level legislation is needed when local regulations could suffice.
HB432: Walker Information Only01:07:36.680 - 10:06:42 AM; Walker explains that Nashua might be an outlier due to the number of recovery houses and the challenges faced in navigating local regulations with federal law. He suggests that the bill is necessary to clarify and standardize regulations across the state.
HB432: Anthony Salbuchi, Director of Business Development and Community Relations, New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences Support01:09:49.080 - 10:08:55 AM; Anthony Salbuchi, representing the New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences, spoke in support of House Bill 432. He emphasized the importance of the bill in establishing a clear definition of recovery housing in New Hampshire, which he believes will help alleviate the stigma and complexities in the planning and development processes. He highlighted a significant shortfall in certified recovery homes and beds in the state, stating that a study with the Fletcher Group estimated a need for 15,000 homes, while currently, there are only about 108 certified homes and 1340 beds. Salbuchi stressed the importance of recovery housing in integrating into communities and neighborhoods and offered to provide the committee with certification standards and answer any questions.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:11:52.639 - 10:10:58 AM; A representative asked Anthony Salbuchi about the estimated number of beds needed in New Hampshire, to which Salbuchi confirmed the need for 15,000 beds based on the study, compared to the current 1300 certified beds. The representative also inquired about the effectiveness of larger recovery homes and their impact on the community, to which Salbuchi responded that he did not have specific data but would work to gather it, emphasizing the importance of the social model of recovery and the need for larger homes to provide adequate support.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:13:25.960 - 10:12:31 AM; A representative asked about the types of recovery homes in New Hampshire, specifically about the prevalence of single, two, and three-family homes. Anthony Salbuchi responded that recovery homes range from one to three-family homes but did not have specific counts available.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:14:11.679 - 10:13:17 AM; A representative inquired about the business structure of recovery homes, whether they operate as for-profit or nonprofit entities. Anthony Salbuchi explained that both types exist in New Hampshire, with for-profit homes being more cost-effective to operate than nonprofits due to fewer administrative costs. He also clarified that residents pay housing fees rather than rent, which supports the recovery process and prepares them for independent living.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:18:02.040 - 10:17:08 AM; A representative asked about the handling of relapses in recovery homes. Anthony Salbuchi explained that each home may handle relapses differently, but NH Core expects all homes to operate with a relapse plan. He detailed the process of confronting the individual, offering options like respite or further treatment, and emphasized that residents are not required to stay and can leave if they choose.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:21:06.320 - 10:20:12 AM; A representative asked about the involvement of law enforcement or mental health professionals in cases of relapse. Anthony Salbuchi stated that they do not track this data specifically but mentioned that from his experience, there have been interactions but no significant actions taken.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:22:38.920 - 10:21:44 AM; A representative asked about the certification process and timeline for recovery homes. Anthony Salbuchi described it as a comprehensive process that takes time and involves annual recertification and potential action plans if certification is revoked.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:25:59.480 - 10:25:05 AM; A representative asked about potential abuse of the certification process and the consequences of losing certification. Anthony Salbuchi stated that he did not believe the bill would be abused and explained the process for recertification and potential actions if certification is lost.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:26:45.199 - 10:25:51 AM; A representative inquired about discussions with state officials regarding septic system capacities in recovery homes. Anthony Salbuchi did not directly address this question in the provided transcript.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:29:39.639 - 10:28:45 AM; A representative asked about the number of recovery homes certified by NH Core and how certification relates to a voluntary registry with Health and Human Services. Anthony Salbuchi confirmed that NH Core is the sole certifying agency and discussed the ongoing work with the state regarding certification and registry.
HB432: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:32:09.239 - 10:31:15 AM; A representative asked how to verify if a recovery home is certified and current on its certification. Anthony Salbuchi explained the annual recertification process and the availability of certification status to the public.
HB432: Bro Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:36:01.320 - 10:35:07 AM; Bro Dees from the New Hampshire Municipal Association expressed opposition to HB432. He highlighted concerns that the bill mandates treating recovery homes as single, two, or multifamily uses in zoning ordinances across the state, preventing municipalities from regulating recovery homes classified as congregate living. He pointed out that recovery homes often serve as transient housing, contrary to the bill's definition of them as primarily non-transient dwellings. Dees emphasized the difference between congregate living and regular dwellings, noting the impact on infrastructure, traffic, and parking in dense areas. He argued that zoning ordinances help ensure safe and responsible development and that the bill could hinder municipalities' ability to regulate congregate housing effectively.
HB432: Jonathan Gerson, Into Action Support01:45:16.080 - 10:44:22 AM; Jonathan Gerson, an operator of recovery homes under Into Action, expressed support for HB432. He shared his background in operating certified homes for men and women and his advocacy for new operators. Gerson highlighted the challenges faced due to the lack of a clear definition of recovery housing, which often results in opposition from neighborhoods and difficulties in zoning and planning board meetings. He believes that defining recovery housing as a residential use would help streamline the process and ensure oversight from bodies like the State Fire Marshall's office, potentially reducing the presence of 'bad actors' in the sector. He also discussed the effectiveness of different sizes of recovery homes and the average length of stay at his facilities.
HB432: Jake Barry, New Futures Support02:01:05.760 - 11:00:11 AM; Jake Barry, Vice President of Policy at New Futures, supported HB432. He emphasized the public health benefits of recovery residences, citing data that shows neighborhoods with such homes have lower rates of substance use, overdoses, and related crimes. Barry clarified points about occupancy restrictions and the relevance of for-profit and nonprofit statuses in zoning regulations. He also addressed the transient versus non-transient language in the bill, noting it aligns with the international residential code's definition. Barry urged the committee to consider the positive impact of the bill on communities.

Pauer, Diane(Chairman)(R)[A]2024	Bjelobrk, Marie Louise(Clerk)(R)	MacDonald, John(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2024
Germana, Dylan(D)	Fracht, David(D)[F]2024	Guthrie, Joseph(R)[B-]2024
Gilman, Julie(D)[CT]2024	Grund, Stephanie(D)	Stavis, Laurel(D)[CT]2024
Karasinski, Sly(R)	Maggiore, Jim(D)[CT]2024	Dolan, Tom(R)[B+]2024
Aylward, Deborah(R)[A-]2024	Walker, David(R)	Colby, Eleana (D)
Girard, Dale(D)	Franz, Linda(R)	Murphy, Denis(R)