Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB872

Introduced

6/19/25

Refer

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.

Latest PA SB872 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB872

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB561

PA HB1117

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

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 SB204

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

PA HB958

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

PA HB1755

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in powers and duties, further providing for power of commission to require insurance.

PA HB1600

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1760

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program expiration; providing for Participation Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA HB798

In powers and duties in general, further providing for departmental reports.

PA SB675