An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties.
HB377 amends Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act to specifically address tianeptine and related forms of the substance. The bill adds tianeptine, including any salt, compound, derivative, or preparation of tianeptine, to the list of prohibited controlled-substance-related acts when manufactured, delivered, or possessed with intent to manufacture or deliver by an unregistered person or an unregistered/licensed practitioner. In practical terms, it creates a targeted prohibition on the commercial handling of tianeptine outside the state’s regulated drug system.
The bill also establishes a specific penalty for knowingly or intentionally violating this new prohibition. A violation would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The act takes effect immediately, signaling legislative intent to quickly restrict access and distribution of tianeptine in Pennsylvania.
HB377 would amend Section 13 of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act by adding a new prohibited act and a new felony penalty subsection. It would expand state drug enforcement authority to cover tianeptine and its variants, making unauthorized manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver subject to criminal prosecution. The bill primarily affects manufacturers, distributors, sellers, and practitioners handling tianeptine, and it gives law enforcement and prosecutors a clearer statutory basis to pursue cases involving the substance.
The available legislative history suggests broad support for the bill. In the House Judiciary Committee, the bill was reported as committed by a 26-0 vote, indicating unanimous committee approval. No committee transcript was provided, but the vote pattern suggests the measure was viewed favorably and with little visible opposition at the committee stage.
The main policy issue underlying HB377 is whether tianeptine should be treated as a substance requiring explicit criminal prohibition under Pennsylvania law. Supporters appear to favor swift restriction through felony penalties and immediate effectiveness, likely in response to concerns about misuse, unregulated sales, or public health risks. No recorded committee debate or dissent is available in the provided materials, so there is no documented opposition or specific point of contention in the record supplied.