(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.