Efforts to bring much-needed regulation and oversight to Ohio’s recovery housing industry are gaining momentum as House Bill 58, introduced by State Representative Justin Pizzulli, moves forward in the Ohio House of Representatives.
The proposed legislation seeks to address growing concerns about the unregulated recovery housing sector, which has faced criticism for enabling fraud, neglect, and criminal activity in some facilities. If enacted, the bill would grant the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services the authority to establish a certificate of need program, ensuring that recovery homes are proportionally distributed across Ohio’s regions. It would also empower local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) boards to inspect facilities, investigate complaints, and enforce penalties for those failing to meet state standards.
Pizzulli described the bill as a necessary reform to protect both patients and communities while preserving access to legitimate, supportive recovery housing. “This legislation will curb the oversaturation of recovery homes and empower local leaders to hold bad actors accountable,” said Pizzulli. “We’re making it clear in Southern Ohio—we will no longer tolerate bad actors in recovery housing.”
One of the bill’s key provisions is a modest bed fee of 69 cents per day, a stark contrast to the $13.50 per-bed fee charged to nursing homes in Ohio. This fee would help fund the oversight process without overburdening facilities that are operating in good faith.
Pizzulli emphasized that the legislation’s ultimate goal is to protect vulnerable individuals seeking recovery while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. He also noted the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on Ohio communities, particularly in rural areas like Adams County. “The people of my district—hardworking, faith-driven citizens—simply ask for fairness and safety,” Pizzulli said. “They want recovery housing that truly supports people in need, not one that serves as a front for fraud and criminal activity.”
Adams County leaders have voiced strong support for the legislation, citing the strain that unregulated recovery housing has placed on local emergency services. Commissioners Jason Hayslip, Barbara Moore, and Kelly Jones sent a letter to the Ohio House of Representatives expressing the county’s concerns and backing House Bill 58.
In their letter, the commissioners wrote, “We express our strong support for the proposed legislation to regulate Ohio’s recovery housing industry. This initiative is critical for rural communities like ours, which have been disproportionately impacted by the unregulated growth of recovery housing facilities.”
The letter also highlighted the growing burden on emergency services due to the increasing demand placed on fire, EMS, and law enforcement resources by unregulated treatment facilities. “While we fully support individuals seeking treatment and recovery, the unchecked expansion of these facilities places an unsustainable burden on our already limited resources. This legislation will protect both residents and patients while preventing bad actors from exploiting vulnerable individuals,” the commissioners added.
House Bill 58 will now proceed with additional committee hearings, where lawmakers will further debate its provisions and potential impact. If passed, the bill could reshape Ohio’s recovery housing landscape, bringing accountability to an industry that, for too long, has operated without sufficient oversight. So far, there have been zero opponents to the legislation in the committee process.
