SECTION 179.
The first paragraph of section 87A of chapter 276 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following 3 sentences:- If the court requires as a condition of probation that the defendant reside in alcohol and drug free housing within the commonwealth, the judge issuing the order shall require the probation officer to refer the defendant only to alcohol and drug free housing certified under section 18A of chapter 17 and the probation officer shall require the defendant to reside in such certified housing in order to satisfy such condition. If accredited alcohol and drug free housing is not available, the judge issuing the order may permit the probation officer to refer the person placed on supervised probation to alcohol and substance free housing that is available and that, in the judge's discretion, appropriately supports the recovery goals of the person. If the court imposes as a condition of probation that the person reside in alcohol and drug free housing in another state, the judge issuing the order may permit the probation officer to refer the person to alcohol and drug free housing that, in the judge's discretion, appropriately supports the recovery goals of the person.