Brough/Harper Co-author Rehab Home Bill

AB 838 INTRODUCED IN STATE ASSEMBLY
As mentioned by Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer at a recent Costa Mesa City Council meeting, Assemblymen William Brough of the 73rd District and Matthew Harper of the 74th District have co-authored a bill, AB 838, which will modify Section 1505 of the State Health And Safety Code relating to recovery houses.  You can read the bill and the Legislative Counsel's Digest HERE.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
I spent some time on Tuesday chatting with members of the staff of both assemblymen at their local field offices and in Sacramento, trying to get a clear picture of what this bill is supposed to accomplish.  I think the aforementioned Legislative Counsel's Digest provides you with a good, concise description.

TIGHTENS UP EXISTING LAW
Basically, it changes the California Community Care Facilities Act by adding a new section to the law to more tightly define certain group homes and, as a result, allow local jurisdictions to enforce the new laws - a misdemeanor.

ANOTHER TOOL
If passed, this would provide one more hammer in the tool box of cities like Costa Mesa - which, according to reports, has more than 25% of rehab homes in Orange County - with which to control the proliferation of such facilities.

RIGHEIMER TO LOBBY SACRAMENTO
It is our understanding, based on what Righeimer said at that council meeting, that he will be traveling to Sacramento early next month to talk with folks about this bill.  Right now the bill is in the Human Services sub-committee, but has not been scheduled to be heard yet.  We presume Righeimer will be attempting to influence other Assembly members to move forward with this bill.