Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB561

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  
Refer
5/13/25  
Report Pass
5/14/25  
Engrossed
5/14/25  

Caption

An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program, further providing for definit . . .ions, 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 bill represents a significant shift in how Pennsylvania addresses substance abuse treatment for offenders. By formalizing a grant program specifically focused on medication-assisted treatment, it leverages state resources to assist counties in combating addiction and supporting those affected by the opioid crisis. The grant funding is positioned as a means to foster collaboration among counties and relevant agencies, enhancing the support available for eligible offenders. Notably, the bill prioritizes non-narcotic medication treatments, showcasing a targeted approach to substance abuse that aligns with broader public health initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 561 establishes the Medication-Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program in Pennsylvania. The legislation aims to enhance the availability of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, particularly for offenders transitioning from county correctional institutions. The bill repeals previous provisions regarding a pilot program and lays out requirements for counties to apply for grants that will fund treatment and recovery services. The goal is to mitigate recidivism and improve health outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction by integrating treatment into correctional systems and supporting reentry into the community.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 561 appears generally positive among those advocating for drug reform and public health improvements. Proponents argue that the bill will aid in the rehabilitation of offenders through effective treatment options, thereby reducing repeat offenses and addressing the root causes of addiction. However, there are concerns raised about the adequacy of funding and the potential for disparities in access to treatment across different counties, leading to a mixed reception among various stakeholders involved in substance abuse and criminal justice.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve health outcomes, there are points of contention regarding the execution of the program and its reliance on county participation. Critics have voiced worries about the ability of all counties to implement the required treatment programs effectively, particularly in regions with fewer resources. Additionally, debates have arisen about the appropriateness of focusing solely on medication-assisted treatment without integrating a broader spectrum of recovery support services, such as counseling and community reintegration programs. These considerations highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing state resources with local needs in the context of drug treatment.

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 SB327

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of councils of trustees. Amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in employees, further providing for automatic certification.

PA HB77

In food protection, further providing for definitions, providing for food allergy awareness and further providing for powers of department.

PA HB1286

Further providing for definitions; providing for training requirements for public lodging establishments and for training requirements for third-party listing platforms and rental operators; further providing for enforcement, for violation, for affirmative defenses, for administrative penalties and for criminal penalties; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

PA HB1755

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

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 HB104

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA SB123

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA SB1140

Further providing for definitions; providing for training requirements for public lodging establishments and for training requirements for third-party listing platforms and rental operators; further providing for enforcement, for violation, for affirmative defenses, for administrative penalties and for criminal penalties; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

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

WI AB925

Revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of making corrections and reconciling conflicts (Correction Bill).

AZ HB2944

Inpatient treatment days; computation; exclusion

CA AB1879

Substance use: treatment or residential data reporting.

WI SB904

Revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of making corrections and reconciling conflicts (Correction Bill).

CA AB2538

Medi-Cal: hospice providers: forms.

AZ SB1244

court-ordered treatment; continuation

IA HF518

A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 326.)

IA HF326

A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans and making appropriations.(See HF 518.)