Negron deals deathly blow to sober homes bill

April 26--TALLAHASSEE -- State Sen. Joe Negron likely has killed a sober homes bill pushed by Port St. Lucie to give the state some control over the controversial facilities.

The bill's last committee hurdle was a stop this week in the Senate Appropriations Committee chaired by Negron, R-Stuart, but he did not take up the bill because sponsor Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, did not want to accept an amendment that would gut most of its language, Clemens said. Committees are not scheduled to meet anymore this session.

Although the House has passed its version of the bill, Clemens said there's little chance the Senate will hear the legislation to allow the Department of Children and Families to license and inspect sober homes for recovering drug and alcohol addicts and do background screenings on operators.

The amendment would have replaced those regulations with a task force to study the welfare and safety of residents.

Residential neighborhoods in South Florida have become a hub for those facilities, which have started to creep into the Treasure Coast, in particular Port St. Lucie. The city has been involved in litigation with two sober home operators.

There's little evidence that shows crime has increased in areas where the homes are located, but neighbors say the homes can hurt property values.

"There have been some very legitimate issues raised," said Negron, a Republican whose district includes Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. "What I have concerns about is when someone suggests that we are going to have the government prepare a list of citizens that are doing things ... you know my view of not having a list of citizens that aren't breaking the law."

Recovering drug and alcohol addicts are protected by federal anti-discrimination laws, so local governments cannot ban sober homes from residential areas.

Port St. Lucie Councilwoman Michelle Lee Berger said it is "unfortunate" the bill might not become law this year. She said she expects sober homes to continue to bloom in the area.

The homes normally accept insurance payments, which are likely to increase under the Affordable Care Act, she said.

"As long as the Affordable Care Act offers limitless funding, the industry will continue to flourish and grow," Berger said.

Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, Naples Daily News and Tampa Tribune journalists are in Tallahassee reporting throughout the legislative session in a collaborative capital bureau.

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