Close the licensing loophole for sober living homes
The Issue
On a tragic day in 2004, my son Jarrod died at a so-called "sober living" home named "The Safe House." Contrary to its name, the facility was far from safe. As I delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding his death, I discovered a distressing absence of oversight. Alarmingly, the operators of these homes, which are supposed to be tied to treatment programs, continue to administer medications and bill insurance without any form of state licensing or regulation. They even recruit vulnerable individuals from across state lines. Yet, they face no accountability for the lives lost or the harm inflicted.
The reality is harrowing: our sons, daughters, friends, and loved ones are dying in these unregulated environments. For over two decades, I've advocated tirelessly for the victims—those who have been harmed or have perished while genuinely seeking recovery. In Jarrod's memory, I founded Jarrod's Law, aiming to transform pain into purpose by advocating for impactful legislation.
The ESCAPE Act, currently proposed, offers a vital solution. It closes the dangerous loopholes allowing such homes to operate without proper licensing. The principle is simple and powerful: facilities providing both housing and services must be licensed. This ensures safety, accountability, and, most importantly, the dignity of those seeking help.
Statistics underscore the urgency of this issue: an estimated 20 million Americans suffer from substance use disorders, and deaths from overdose continue to rise. Vulnerable individuals deserve environments that foster recovery, not risk. Licensing recovery residences homes is a critical step towards safeguarding their futures and restoring trust in the recovery process.
Our community and lawmakers must act together to uphold the rights and safety of every individual striving for recovery. This issue is too important to ignore, and with your support, we can bring about change.
Please join me in supporting the ESCAPE Act. Sign this petition and help push for a world where sober living means true safety and healing.
Read the Escape Act
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZWqoJ7PVW5WjhqQsCEgqEWg8LynYtHBGbYWpQSkPN7A/edit?usp=drivesdk
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The Issue
On a tragic day in 2004, my son Jarrod died at a so-called "sober living" home named "The Safe House." Contrary to its name, the facility was far from safe. As I delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding his death, I discovered a distressing absence of oversight. Alarmingly, the operators of these homes, which are supposed to be tied to treatment programs, continue to administer medications and bill insurance without any form of state licensing or regulation. They even recruit vulnerable individuals from across state lines. Yet, they face no accountability for the lives lost or the harm inflicted.
The reality is harrowing: our sons, daughters, friends, and loved ones are dying in these unregulated environments. For over two decades, I've advocated tirelessly for the victims—those who have been harmed or have perished while genuinely seeking recovery. In Jarrod's memory, I founded Jarrod's Law, aiming to transform pain into purpose by advocating for impactful legislation.
The ESCAPE Act, currently proposed, offers a vital solution. It closes the dangerous loopholes allowing such homes to operate without proper licensing. The principle is simple and powerful: facilities providing both housing and services must be licensed. This ensures safety, accountability, and, most importantly, the dignity of those seeking help.
Statistics underscore the urgency of this issue: an estimated 20 million Americans suffer from substance use disorders, and deaths from overdose continue to rise. Vulnerable individuals deserve environments that foster recovery, not risk. Licensing recovery residences homes is a critical step towards safeguarding their futures and restoring trust in the recovery process.
Our community and lawmakers must act together to uphold the rights and safety of every individual striving for recovery. This issue is too important to ignore, and with your support, we can bring about change.
Please join me in supporting the ESCAPE Act. Sign this petition and help push for a world where sober living means true safety and healing.
Read the Escape Act
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZWqoJ7PVW5WjhqQsCEgqEWg8LynYtHBGbYWpQSkPN7A/edit?usp=drivesdk
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Petition created on October 24, 2026