1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) "Local substance abuse authority" means a local substance abuse authority described in Section 17-77-201.

   2. (b) "Qualifying individual" means an individual who:

      1. (i) is incarcerated in the county jail; and
      2. (ii) has a substance use disorder as determined by a screening administered in accordance with Subsection 17-72-501(2)(e).
   3. (c) "Recovery housing pod" means a designated unit or number of beds within a county jail dedicated to qualifying individuals who participate in a structured substance use treatment program.
2. (2) A sheriff may establish a recovery housing pod in a county jail.

3. (3) Subject to the provisions of Subsection (5):

   1. (a) the local substance abuse authority shall approve a recovery housing pod; and
   2. (b) before approving a recovery housing pod, the local substance abuse authority shall make a determination that the structured substance use treatment program is based on best practices.
4. (4) A recovery housing pod that is established on or before May 5, 2026, is not subject to the requirements of this section until July 1, 2029.

5. (5)

   1. (a) A local substance abuse authority may develop model standards and operational guidelines for a structured substance use treatment program in a recovery housing pod in a county jail based on best practices.
   2. (b) A structured substance use treatment program that follows model standards and operational guidelines that a local substance abuse authority develops as described in Subsection (5)(a), is presumed to be based on best practices for purposes of the determination described in Subsection (3)(b).

6. (6) A structured substance use treatment program may include:

   1. (a) a structured daily routine including requiring qualifying individuals to:

      1. (i) have assigned responsibilities;
      2. (ii) attend group meetings;
      3. (iii) complete work assignments;
      4. (iv) attend educational programs; and
      5. (v) participate in recovery-oriented programming;
   2. (b) peer programming, including requiring qualifying participants to help lead, manage, and maintain the culture and physical space of the recovery housing pod with the guidance of staff;
   3. (c) behavioral accountability where positive behavior is rewarded and negative behavior is addressed through corrective feedback from peers and staff;
   4. (d) promotion of self-discipline and mutual support where qualifying participants uphold standards of conduct and support one another in personal development;
   5. (e) phased progress in which qualifying participants advance through levels of responsibility and opportunity based on merit and demonstrated behavioral growth; and

   6. (f) practical skill building, which may include:

      1. (i) job training;
      2. (ii) personal finance skill training;
      3. (iii) interpersonal communication education; and
      4. (iv) reentry planning.

7. (7)

   1. (a) Participation in a recovery housing pod is voluntary.
   2. (b) A qualifying individual who participates in a recovery pod shall sign a written agreement acknowledging the qualifying individual's commitment to the recovery housing pod's structured substance use treatment program.
8. (8) A local substance abuse authority may contract with a third party to deliver the substance use treatment program approved under this section.

Enacted by Chapter 113, 2026 General Session