HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The city of Huntington has filed a lawsuit against the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, asking a court to force the agency to turn over information related to parolees and sober living homes in Huntington.

It’s a product of the state’s years-long struggle with drug abuse and addiction.

One treatment option popping up in neighborhoods across the state, sober living homes. Advocates say the in-home support groups are effective in helping those in recovery get back on track, but opponents say they don’t belong in residential neighborhoods.

WSAZ has been investigating the matter for more than a year, finding current state law had no registration requirement, meaning state officials have no idea how many sober living homes are in operation or when new ones open up.

WSAZ also found current law ties state funding for the homes and referrals to a certification process, but that certification is just voluntary.

Now, the city of Huntington alleges the state Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation has skirted state law by, “referring or releasing parolees and probationers to addresses in the City of Huntington that include uncertified sober living homes.”

The city’s lawsuit demanded information on that topic, information city attorney Scott Damron tells WSAZ the state has refused to release.

“The public has a right to know who’s coming into their neighborhoods,” he said.

WSAZ reached out to state officials for comment. A spokesperson said officials are “in the process of reviewing the lawsuit, and will be happy to comment at a later date.”

Last year, a state task force expressed similar concern, telling lawmakers, “there have been anecdotal reports of uncertified recovery residences receiving improper referrals.”

Lawmakers reacted with tougher legislation, passing a new law, Senate Bill 475.

It closes a potential loophole and outlaws uncertified homes “from receiving a referral or receiving a person released from prison for the placement of any prisoner, parolee, or probationer… .”

Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, shares Huntington’s concern. He was among sponsors of that proposal.

“It might have been ambiguous, the word ‘may,’” he said. “In my view, it was always prohibited, but there’s no misinterpretation now. It’s not to happen, and if it does happen, it’s a crime.”

Damron said this about the new law:

“(It) will help immensely and weeding those issues out, but that’s going to take some time,” he said. “It will also take, in my mind, some litigation to force some of the parties to comply with what the statute says.”

The new law also requires a base-level registration so state officials know how many sober living homes exist.

It takes effect June 7.

The state has less than 20 days to answer the lawsuit.

Copyright 2024 WSAZ. All rights reserved.

Who’s Playing

Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Clippers

Regular Season Records: Dallas 50-32, Los Angeles 51-31

Current Series Standings: Dallas 2, Los Angeles 2

How To Watch

• When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10 p.m. ET
• Where: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, California
• TV: TNT
• Follow: CBS Sports App
• Ticket Cost: $89.00

What to Know

On Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks will fight it out against the Los Angeles Clippers in a Western Conference playoff contest at 10:00 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena. Despite being away, the Mavericks are looking at a three-point advantage in the spread.

While the experts predicted the Mavericks would be headed into the game after a victory, that’s not how things played out against the Clippers on Sunday. The Mavericks took a 116-111 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Clippers.

Despite the loss, the Mavericks had strong showings from Kyrie Irving, who scored 40 points along with seven rebounds and five assists, and Luka Doncic, who dropped a triple-double on 29 points, ten rebounds, and ten assists. Doncic had some trouble finding his footing against the Clippers on Friday, so this was a step in the right direction.

Even though they lost, the Mavericks smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as the Clippers only pulled down five.

The two teams are all tied up in their series so far, with two wins each. Check back here after the game to see who wins this pivotal Game 5 matchup.

Odds

Dallas is a 3-point favorite against Los Angeles, according to the latest NBA odds.

The line on this game has moved quite a bit since it opened, as it started out with the Clippers as a 1-point favorite.

The oddsmakers are predicting a defensive showdown and set the over/under low at 208 points.

See NBA picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now.

Series History

Los Angeles has won 6 out of their last 10 games against Dallas.

• Apr 28, 2024 – Los Angeles 116 vs. Dallas 111
• Apr 26, 2024 – Dallas 101 vs. Los Angeles 90
• Apr 23, 2024 – Dallas 96 vs. Los Angeles 93
• Apr 21, 2024 – Los Angeles 109 vs. Dallas 97
• Dec 20, 2023 – Los Angeles 120 vs. Dallas 111
• Nov 25, 2023 – Los Angeles 107 vs. Dallas 88
• Nov 10, 2023 – Dallas 144 vs. Los Angeles 126
• Feb 08, 2023 – Dallas 110 vs. Los Angeles 104
• Jan 22, 2023 – Los Angeles 112 vs. Dallas 98
• Jan 10, 2023 – Los Angeles 113 vs. Dallas 101