Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1515

Introduced
6/26/23  
Refer
6/26/23  
Refer
6/28/23  
Report Pass
7/6/23  
Refer
7/6/23  
Report Pass
7/7/23  
Engrossed
7/7/23  

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 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.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1515 will shift existing laws by repealing provisions related to a previous pilot program, effectively establishing a permanent grant program that encourages counties to develop and implement treatment programs tailored to the needs of offenders. The department responsible for this initiative will have the authority to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of these treatment programs, ensuring accountability and ongoing assessment of their impact. With this legislative change, the state aims to provide structured support to counties that can assist offenders in achieving long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

Summary

House Bill 1515 proposes amendments to Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on the establishment of the Medication-assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program. This bill seeks to offer funding opportunities for counties to provide medication-assisted treatment combined with comprehensive substance use treatment for eligible offenders both while incarcerated and after their release. The bill seeks to enhance the support system for individuals dealing with substance use disorders, thereby potentially reducing recidivism rates and improving overall community health outcomes.

Sentiment

The discussions around HB 1515 have garnered a largely positive sentiment among supporters who view it as a necessary step toward addressing substance abuse issues in the criminal justice system. Advocates argue that providing medication-assisted treatment is a vital component of rehabilitation that can reduce the cycle of incarceration. However, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of funding and resources needed to implement such a program across all counties, indicating a potential area for contention among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Contention

While the overall objective of HB 1515 is widely supported, the contention lies in the operational details, particularly related to funding allocation and the criteria for county participation. There is a debate regarding how to ensure that all counties can access these grants effectively and the criteria they need to meet. Some legislators have expressed fears that rural or economically disadvantaged counties may struggle to implement the proposed programs due to limitations in resources or administrative capabilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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.

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 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 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 HB1117

In powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties.

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 SB204

Further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources; repealing provisions relating to appropriations; and making editorial changes.

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 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 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.