Committee advances bill clarifying who may live with assisted‑living residents

The House Health and Human Services committee returned Senate Bill 12 47 with a due‑pass recommendation after proponents said the measure restores longstanding practice and protects residents from being forced to leave their homes.

Logan, the presenter, described SB 12 47 as an emergency measure that "allows individuals who do not receive supervisory, personal, or directed care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or home if authorized by the facility." The bill was presented as clarifying a recent statutory interpretation that had restricted placements that were previously routine.

Jay Kinman, representing the Arizona chapter of the Assisted Living Federation of America through Maverick Policy Group, said the change was intended to prevent disruptions — for example, when spouses or other family members have not historically needed services but want to live in the same unit. "This bill fixes it, makes it clear that independent living residents can live with an assisted living resident," Kinman said, adding the emergency clause was to prevent displacement and unnecessary charges for services.

A committee member raised concerns that the bill’s language is open‑ended and could allow unrelated third parties to move in, which could expose older adults to scams or fraud. Kinman and another member noted protections: the bill permits centers or homes to require background checks or other facility‑imposed requirements to protect residents.

At roll call the committee recorded 10 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present and 1 absent and returned SB 12 47 with a due‑pass recommendation.

The hearing focused on clarifying the scope and on facility authority to set conditions; the bill does not itself mandate background checks but supporters said facilities already have the authority to impose them.