Senate overwhelming approves Bellows bill to promote quality recovery residences

AUGUSTA—The Maine Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill from Sen. Shenna Bellows, D-Manchester, to promote the safety and quality recovery residences in Maine in an initial vote of 27-8 on Tuesday.

LD 1682, “An Act To Ensure the Quality of and Increase Access to Recovery Residences” would establish a voluntary certification process to set clear standards for recovery residences. It also includes funding for a pilot project for short-term rental subsidies for use at qualified recovery residences.

“The opioid epidemic is claiming the lives of more Mainers every single day. As a Legislature, we must take action to ensure that those struggling to overcome addiction can recover in a safe and supportive environment,” said Sen. Bellows. “Promoting access to quality recovery residences is a smart and productive way to ensure that this vulnerable population can get the help they need.”

Sen. Bellows submitted this piece of legislation after hearing concerns from constituents and speaking to experts in the field. This bill is one of many recommendations reported out of the Legislature’s bipartisan Task Force to Address the Opioid Crisis in the State that concluded late last year. The Task Force found that the absence of a safe and secure environment is an obstacle to recovery.

Other states have seen individuals with bad intentions exploit those on the path to recovery. In Florida, many operations have been investigated for fraudulent and even criminal activity.

In 2017, 418 Mainers died from an overdose—an 11 percent increase from the previous year. According to a report from the Attorney General, 85 percent of the overdose deaths in Maine last year involved opioids.

LD 1682 will now head to the floor of the House for a vote.

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