By Eric Heinz
California Rep. Darrell Issa, who represents the 49th congressional district and San Clemente, introduced a bill on Jan. 12 that would amend the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to regulate sober living homes, residences that provide treatment for people with drug and alcohol addictions.
The bill arose from local discussions in Issa’s district after people insisted legislation needed to be done, and people have claimed for years that these residences cause a nuisance in their neighborhoods.
In San Clemente, some people have taken to protest the establishment of sober living homes.
The bill’s summary is still being put together for public view, according to the U.S. Congressional website, but based on meetings with Issa in San Clemente, the law will likely contain text requiring operators of sober living homes to obtain a license, have permanent staff members on site at all times and adhere to other requirements. So far, five California Republican members of congress have co-sponsored the bill along with one Massachusetts Democratic congressman.
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