Formal Statement on Sober Living Facilities in Dickson County

Sober living facilities play an important role in supporting individuals who are working to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. When operated responsibly, these facilities provide a structured, supportive environment that promotes accountability, recovery, and a successful transition back into the community.

However, in Dickson County and across Tennessee, sober living facilities have largely been left unregulated and allowed to expand without local oversight. What began as a compassionate idea, often located in residential neighborhoods, has grown beyond the ability of city and county officials to manage. The Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act require sober living facilities to be treated as single-family residences, effectively nullifying local zoning authority.

This is why state law must change. While the recent passage of HB1351 / SB1240 (Recovery Residence Certification Standards) established a voluntary certification process, the legislation contains no enforcement measures, inspections, penalties, or even requirements for local notice. This is insufficient! Our county and municipal governments need the ability to exercise meaningful oversight to ensure the safety, accountability, and transparency of these facilities.

The passage of HB783 / SB1381, which created a pilot program allowing Hamilton County to regulate sober living facilities near schools and daycares, demonstrates that a commonsense approach is possible. This framework provides added protections for families and neighborhoods. The question remains: why was Dickson County not included in this effort? Our community deserves the same tools and protections as others across the state.

I support reform that balances the need for recovery resources with the responsibility to protect neighborhoods, schools, and families. By empowering local governments with proper oversight, we can maintain compassion for those in recovery while safeguarding the quality of life in our communities.