Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB561

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  
Refer
5/13/25  
Report Pass
5/14/25  
Engrossed
5/14/25  

Caption

In Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to establishment of pilot program, providing for establishment and further providing for county participation requirements, for use of grant funding, for powers and duties of department, for report to General Assembly and for construction; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and making an editorial change.

Impact

The bill represents a significant shift in how Pennsylvania addresses substance abuse treatment for offenders. By formalizing a grant program specifically focused on medication-assisted treatment, it leverages state resources to assist counties in combating addiction and supporting those affected by the opioid crisis. The grant funding is positioned as a means to foster collaboration among counties and relevant agencies, enhancing the support available for eligible offenders. Notably, the bill prioritizes non-narcotic medication treatments, showcasing a targeted approach to substance abuse that aligns with broader public health initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 561 establishes the Medication-Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program in Pennsylvania. The legislation aims to enhance the availability of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, particularly for offenders transitioning from county correctional institutions. The bill repeals previous provisions regarding a pilot program and lays out requirements for counties to apply for grants that will fund treatment and recovery services. The goal is to mitigate recidivism and improve health outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction by integrating treatment into correctional systems and supporting reentry into the community.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 561 appears generally positive among those advocating for drug reform and public health improvements. Proponents argue that the bill will aid in the rehabilitation of offenders through effective treatment options, thereby reducing repeat offenses and addressing the root causes of addiction. However, there are concerns raised about the adequacy of funding and the potential for disparities in access to treatment across different counties, leading to a mixed reception among various stakeholders involved in substance abuse and criminal justice.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve health outcomes, there are points of contention regarding the execution of the program and its reliance on county participation. Critics have voiced worries about the ability of all counties to implement the required treatment programs effectively, particularly in regions with fewer resources. Additionally, debates have arisen about the appropriateness of focusing solely on medication-assisted treatment without integrating a broader spectrum of recovery support services, such as counseling and community reintegration programs. These considerations highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing state resources with local needs in the context of drug treatment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1515

In Nonnarcotic Medication-assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to establishment of pilot program, providing for establishment and further providing for county participation requirements, for use of grant funding, for powers and duties of department, for prior authorization, for report to General Assembly and for construction; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1782

In human trafficking, further providing for civil causes of action; in minors, further providing for sexual abuse of children; in computer offenses, further providing for definitions, for duty of Internet service provider and for application for order to remove or disable items; in child protective services, further providing for Task Force on Child Pornography; in recidivism risk reduction incentive, further providing for definitions; in Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for short sentence parole; and making an editorial change.

PA HB85

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in liquid fuels and fuels tax, further providing for definitions and for imposition of tax, exemptions and deductions and providing for pilot program for electric vehicle fee; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; and making an editorial change.

PA SB253

Establishing the Nonnarcotic Medication Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program; in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, providing for court assessments for substance use disorder treatment; in other criminal provisions, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders.

PA SB1229

In crop insurance, further providing for short title of chapter, for purpose of chapter, for definitions, for establishment of program, for powers and duties of department, providing for Dairy Margin Coverage Program Financial Assistance; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2309

In crop insurance, further providing for short title of chapter, for purpose of chapter, for definitions, for establishment of program and for powers and duties of department; providing for dairy margin coverage program financial assistance; and making an editorial change.

PA HB207

Further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1090

Further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources; and making editorial changes.

PA HB573

In powers and duties in general, further providing for departmental reports; in COVID-19 record retention, further providing for retention of records related to COVID-19; and making an editorial change.

PA HB744

Further providing for definitions, for creation of program, for incubator grants, loans and loan guarantees and for responsibilities of local sponsors; repealing provisions relating to challenge grants for seed capital funds; further providing for general powers and duties of the board and for indicators of program impact; providing for funding sources; repealing provisions relating to time limit on approvals; and making a repeal.

Similar Bills

PA SB253

Establishing the Nonnarcotic Medication Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program; in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, providing for court assessments for substance use disorder treatment; in other criminal provisions, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders.

PA SB691

Establishing the Nonnarcotic Medication Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program; in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, providing for court assessments for substance use disorder treatment; in other criminal provisions, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders.

PA SB872

In Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to establishment of pilot program, providing for establishment and further providing for county participation requirements, for use of grant funding, for powers and duties of department, for report to General Assembly and for construction; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1515

In Nonnarcotic Medication-assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to establishment of pilot program, providing for establishment and further providing for county participation requirements, for use of grant funding, for powers and duties of department, for prior authorization, for report to General Assembly and for construction; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and making an editorial change.

CA AB715

Workgroup review of opioid pain reliever use and abuse.

CA SB1502

Controlled substances: xylazine.

CA AB2783

Controlled substances: hydrocodone combination products: schedules.

NJ S3902

Classifies xylazine as Schedule III controlled dangerous substance under certain circumstances.