Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB941

Introduced
9/28/23  
Refer
9/28/23  
Refer
10/4/23  
Report Pass
10/16/23  
Engrossed
10/17/23  
Refer
10/19/23  
Refer
11/15/23  
Refer
12/12/23  
Report Pass
12/13/23  
Refer
12/13/23  
Report Pass
12/13/23  
Enrolled
12/14/23  
Chaptered
12/14/23  

Caption

In powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties and providing for regulatory flexibility during opioid epidemic.

Impact

The impact of SB941 on state laws is significant, as it proposes amendments that would allow for greater adaptability in how the state responds to drug-related issues. By focusing on the opioid crisis specifically, the bill seeks to ensure that policies can be adjusted in real-time to reflect the evolving nature of the epidemic. This regulatory flexibility would enable the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to implement changes more swiftly, potentially improving public health outcomes and resource allocation in the face of urgent needs.

Summary

SB941 aims to enhance the powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, particularly in the context of addressing the opioid epidemic. The bill seeks to provide regulatory flexibility that can facilitate faster and more effective responses to the challenges posed by drug addiction and substance abuse. By empowering the department with additional authority, the bill is designed to streamline operations and enhance coordination among state agencies involved in drug treatment and rehabilitation efforts.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB941 appears to be positive, particularly among public health advocates who recognize the urgency of addressing the opioid crisis. Stakeholders view the bill as a necessary step towards leveraging state resources in a more efficient manner. However, there may also be concerns regarding the extent of authority granted to the department, with calls for oversight to ensure that regulatory flexibility does not lead to potential mismanagement or lack of accountability.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB941 revolve around the balance of power between state agencies and the potential implications for local governance. Some critics may argue that granting additional powers to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs could lead to overreach and limit local jurisdictions' ability to tailor drug treatment solutions to specific community needs. Ensuring that the approach remains collaborative and inclusive of local input will be crucial to the bill's successful implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB909

In powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for regulatory flexibility during opioid epidemic.

PA SB675

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

PA HB1117

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

PA HB798

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

PA HB640

In powers and duties of the Department of Public Welfare and its departmental administrative and advisory boards and commissions, providing for managed care organization assessment, for intermediate care facilities for persons with an intellectual disability assessments, for hospital assessments, for Statewide quality care assessments and for nursing facility assessment; in powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties; in judicial administration, further providing for surcharge and fee; and making repeals .

PA SB1188

In powers and duties of the Department of Public Instruction and its departmental administrative boards and commissions, further providing for collective bargaining.

PA HB2455

In powers and duties of the Department of Public Instruction and its departmental administrative boards and commissions, further providing for collective bargaining.

PA HB708

Further providing for powers and duties of department.

PA HB36

In Office of State Inspector General, further providing for definitions and for powers, purpose and duties.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.