Relating to the regulation of substance abuse facilities and programs for juveniles.

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

If this bill passes, multi-county juvenile boards would be tasked with setting minimum standards for the operation of substance abuse facilities or substance abuse programs for juvenile probation departments. This bill also specifies that the standards for the substance abuse facility established by this bill do not require licensing or other approval from any state or local agency. In addition, this bill would exempt certain juvenile justice facilities from the regulations that currently regulate facilities that treat people with chemical dependencies. 

This bill would allow juveniles to be placed in more localized settings for substance abuse treatment. There is evidence that when youth are treated in localized settings they have lower recidivism rates leading to long term cost reduction. For this bill's role in limiting government and and enhancing individual liberty by allowing for more flexibility concerning how or where youth may receive treatment, we support this bill.