Assembly Member Haney's proposal to establish the Supportive-Recovery Residence Program creates a framework for funding abstinence-focused housing while maintaining California's commitment to Housing First principles. The legislation authorizes state programs to fund permanent supportive housing that emphasizes abstinence from substances, provided these units do not exceed 25% of a county's permanent supportive housing inventory.

The Department of Health Care Services would oversee a new certification process for supportive-recovery residences, adopting standards from the National Alliance for Recovery Residences or equivalent organizations. These residences must incorporate peer support and specialized design features for individuals in recovery while adhering to Housing First components such as low barriers to entry and tenant protections. The department may charge up to $1,000 for certification, with fees deposited into a new Supportive-Recovery Residence Program Fund.

The legislation establishes specific tenant protections, prohibiting eviction based solely on substance use relapse. When residents choose to leave or face potential eviction, supportive-recovery residences must assist in transitioning them to permanent housing operated under harm-reduction principles. Counties must verify that new supportive-recovery residences comply with the 25% inventory cap using federal housing inventory data, and may establish additional quality standards through contracting requirements.

The bill creates a monitoring framework requiring the state to verify that supportive-recovery residences maintain housing stability outcomes comparable to harm-reduction programs while preserving individual rights and providing continuous access to housing. Certifying organizations may establish agreements with counties to align certification requirements and potentially grant reciprocity based on local contracting standards.