Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB626

Introduced
4/28/23  

Caption

In court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, providing for court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain persons for controlled substance addiction; imposing duties on the Department of Human Services; and making editorial changes.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly alter how the judicial system addresses drug addiction, transitioning the focus from punitive measures towards treatment and rehabilitation. By allowing courts to mandate treatment, SB626 aims to reduce recidivism and improve public safety outcomes. Additionally, the bill imposes duties on the Department of Human Services to provide adequate facilities and oversight for treatment programs, signaling a commitment to leveraging state resources in the fight against addiction. This could lead to the establishment of more comprehensive support systems for those in need.

Summary

Senate Bill 626 (SB626) is aimed at amending Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the court-ordered involuntary treatment of individuals struggling with controlled substance addiction. It establishes a framework for the civil commitment of persons who experience severe difficulties in controlling their addiction and who pose a danger to themselves or others. Specifically, the bill outlines procedures for initiating involuntary commitment, conducting evaluations, and overseeing treatment plans, making it a vital legislative response to the opioid crisis and the growing recognition of addiction as a public health issue.

Sentiment

The discussion surrounding SB626 has garnered mixed sentiments. Proponents, including various health advocates and legislators, view the bill as a proactive measure to address a pressing health crisis, arguing that involuntary treatment can save lives and help individuals regain control. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about civil liberties and the potential for abuse within the involuntary treatment system. The debate highlights a fundamental tension between public health interests and individual rights, reflecting broader societal views on addiction as a disease versus a personal failing.

Contention

A notable point of contention centers on the balance of legal authority in mandating treatment. Critics argue that the bill may infringe on personal freedoms and question the effectiveness of involuntary treatment. Concerns regarding the criteria for commitment—whether they adequately protect individual rights while ensuring public safety—persist. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the adequacy of the proposed treatment facilities and the ability of the state to implement the bill effectively, raising questions about the sustainability of such commitments amidst existing system limitations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

PA SB962

Providing for involuntary examination and treatment of substance use disorders.

PA SB1578

Court-ordered treatment; substance abuse

PA HB1440

Involuntary commitment for addiction treatment.

PA SB169

In juvenile matters, further providing for limitation on and change in place of commitment; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1312

Substance use disorder; involuntary treatment

PA LD1799

Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to Review the Progressive Treatment Program and Processes by Which a Person May Be Involuntarily Admitted to a Psychiatric Hospital or Receive Court-ordered Community Treatment

PA HB2628

In juvenile matters, further providing for disposition of delinquent child and for limitation on and change in place of commitment; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1607

Involuntary treatment; process; substance abuse

PA HB589

Provides relative to civil involuntary outpatient treatment for persons suffering from mental illness

Similar Bills

VT S0192

An act relating to civil commitment procedures at a secure residential recovery facility and a psychiatric residential treatment facility for youth and civil commitment procedures for individuals with an intellectual disability

VT S0089

An act relating to establishing a forensic facility

FL H7021

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

FL H1143

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

CA SB1317

Inmates: psychiatric medication: informed consent.

FL H0915

Outpatient Health Services

NJ A2181

Authorizes psychiatric advanced practice nurses to complete certain certificates required for involuntary commitment to treatment.

FL S1240

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Care