VT S0157

Establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences through the Vermont Department of Health, requiring compliance with standards from the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences or another approved certifying organization

Allows certified recovery residences to immediately exit or transfer residents who violate substance use policies, refuse to engage in programming, are charged with criminal offenses, engage in theft, interfere with other residents' recovery, or threaten health and safety of others

Requires certified recovery residences to maintain residential agreements with written exit/transfer policies, hold resident possessions for at least 60 days after permanent removal, and arrange alternative housing for exited residents

Mandates the Department of Health file initial proposed rules by September 1, 2027 and adopt permanent rules by December 1, 2028, with any certification fees requiring General Assembly approval

Protects residents exiting due to substance use relapse from being deemed responsible for their own homelessness when seeking emergency housing, and repeals the July 1, 2026 sunset date for recovery residence provisions enacted in 2024