HB1447: Higher educational institutions; establishment of substance abuse recovery housing program.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1447

Offered January 11, 2017
Prefiled December 1, 2016
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 23.1 a section numbered 23.1-802.1, relating to higher education; housing; substance abuse recovery.
Patron-- Miyares

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 23.1 a section numbered 23.1-802.1 as follows:

§ 23.1-802.1. Substance abuse recovery housing program.

By July 1, 2021, each baccalaureate public institution of higher education at which at least 25 percent of the undergraduate student population lives in on-campus housing shall establish a substance abuse recovery housing program. Such program shall provide a supportive substance-free dormitory environment that recognizes the unique risks and challenges that recovering students face. The program shall provide support services, including on-site counseling, mentoring, peer support, and other appropriate services. Participating institutions may designate a floor, wing, or other designated area within a dormitory building for the substance abuse recovery housing program and shall not be required to designate an entire dormitory building for the program.