Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

This bill clarifies New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities. It requires background checks for facility administrators, representative payees (who receive government benefits on behalf of residents), and property owners, disqualifying those with certain criminal convictions. The bill mandates a one-week notice period before removing a resident (except in cases of immediate safety threats), requires biweekly inspections during investigations, and establishes a public registry tracking available openings in these facilities by county. These provisions aim to enhance safety and transparency for residents of substance abuse treatment facilities.