Case, Ohler Applaud Passage of Sober Home Bill

Hartford – State Representatives Jay Case (R-64) and Brian Ohler (R-63) applauded the Public Health Committee’s passage of a bill on Friday, March 24th, that will ultimately help the operations of sober homes across the state. The committee bill establishes a sober home registry with the Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services (DMHAS).

“Many stakeholders contributed to the crafting of this piece of legislation, which will be extremely beneficial for our communities in the Northwest Corner,” explained Case. “For residents, this sets up a level of protection that will preserve their path to sobriety through increased regulation of sober home operations.”

Case and Ohler previously submitted a bill proposal that is similar to the committee bill, they jointly testified in support of the concept on Wednesday, February 22nd, at a Public Health Committee Public Hearing.

“It is critical that this piece of legislation is now passed through both chambers in the legislature, and I am confident that it will pass, based on the bi-partisan support it has received through the committee process,” explained Ohler, who is also a first responder. “The registration process will cut down on the public safety risks associated with the fast growth of sober homes, such as overcrowding.”

Case and Ohler also attended a Round Table discussion regarding sober homes on a week ago at the State Capitol. Community leaders, elected officials, and sober home residents met to discuss the current obstacles that those who are rehabilitating in a sober home setting face, and how that process can be improved.

“Hearing from residents, the first-hand experience, really showed me how critical it is that the state legislature enacts a law that will support the framework and structures of sober homes,” concluded Case.

The committee bill will now go to the House Floor for further debate.

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