Recovery housing pod authorized

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Local substance abuse authority" means a local substance abuse authority described in Section 17-77-201. (b) "Qualifying individual" means an individual who: (i) is incarcerated in the county jail; and (ii) has a substance use disorder as determined by a screening administered in accordance with Subsection 17-72-501(2)(e). (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) A sheriff may establish a recovery housing pod in a county jail. (3) Subject to the provisions of Subsection (5): (a) the local substance abuse authority shall approve a recovery housing pod; and (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) 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) (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. (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) A structured substance use treatment program may include: (a) a structured daily routine including requiring qualifying individuals to: (i) have assigned responsibilities; (ii) attend group meetings; (iii) complete work assignments; (iv) attend educational programs; and (v) participate in recovery-oriented programming; (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; (c) behavioral accountability where positive behavior is rewarded and negative behavior is addressed through corrective feedback from peers and staff; (d) promotion of self-discipline and mutual support where qualifying participants uphold standards of conduct and support one another in personal development; (e) phased progress in which qualifying participants advance through levels of responsibility and opportunity based on merit and demonstrated behavioral growth; and (f) practical skill building, which may include: (i) job training; (ii) personal finance skill training; (iii) interpersonal communication education; and (iv) reentry planning. (7) (a) Participation in a recovery housing pod is voluntary. (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) A local substance abuse authority may contract with a third party to deliver the substance use treatment program approved under this section.