Reps. Jarrells' Bipartisan Legislation on Recovery Housing Passes House Floor Unanimously

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) Wednesday celebrated the Ohio House’s favorable passage of House Bill (HB) 58. HB 58 passed the Ohio House Community Revitalization Committee with a vote of 10-0 last week and passed the House Floor Wednesday with a vote of 92-0.

“Recovery is sacred work. When someone makes the courageous decision to fight for their life, the system around them should never become another source of harm. House Bill 58 brings order where there has been chaos, accountability where there has been exploitation, and dignity where there has too often been neglect. A 92-0 vote sends a clear message that protecting vulnerable Ohioans is not partisan. It is our responsibility,” said Rep. Jarrells.

HB 58 aims to create a certificate of need program for recovery housing residences, strengthening accountability within the recovering housing industry. The bipartisan legislation also requires the Department of Behavioral Health to maintain a registry of recovery housing residences that contains information that is comprehensive and consolidated and allows local officials to impose penalties on facilities that fail to comply with statewide standards.

“Unfortunately, Ohio’s recovery housing industry is currently operating without adequate oversight, creating a “Wild West” environment, and allowing bad actors to exploit the system. By instituting strong local oversight, this legislation will help root out bad actors, protect vulnerable residents, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” said Rep. Pizzulli.

HB 58 now awaits further consideration by the Ohio Senate.