Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB872

Introduced
6/19/25  

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 legislation is designed to facilitate a structured approach to aiding substance use disorder treatment among offenders, thereby potentially lowering recidivism rates. Counties that receive grants must implement individualized treatment programs that incorporate clinically appropriate services, thereby allowing counties to enhance their treatment capabilities and align them with current best practices in substance use treatment. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is given responsibilities to oversee the funding distribution and effectiveness evaluations.

Summary

Senate Bill 872 aims to amend the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding medication-assisted substance abuse treatment by establishing the Medication-assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program. This initiative focuses on enhancing opportunities for counties to provide eligible offenders with medication-assisted treatment in conjunction with comprehensive support while they are incarcerated and transitioning back into the community. The bill specifically repeals prior provisions for an earlier pilot program, thereby delineating new definitions and responsibilities for county participation and funding utilization.

Sentiment

Supporters of SB872 generally view it as a progressive step towards addressing the opioid crisis and improving the prospects for rehabilitating offenders. The introduction of this program is framed as a necessary evolution of Pennsylvania's response to substance abuse issues within the correctional system. However, there may be concerns regarding the logistics of program implementation and the adequacy of resources available to meet the anticipated demand, reflecting a community cautious about capacity versus need.

Contention

Notable points of contention include how the effectiveness of the new program will be measured and reported, particularly in terms of its impact on recidivism. There may also be debates surrounding the prioritization of funding for nonnarcotic medication-assisted treatments over other forms of support. As the bill's implementation moves forward, stakeholders will likely scrutinize the best methods to ensure successful outcomes for offenders transitioning back into society and the overall efficacy of the program.

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 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 HB561

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.

CA AB715

Workgroup review of opioid pain reliever use and abuse.

CA AB2783

Controlled substances: hydrocodone combination products: schedules.

CA SB1502

Controlled substances: xylazine.

ME LD2096

An Act to Ensure Access to Pain Management Services in Health Insurance Plans