HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) to strengthen protections for individuals in recovery has passed the Senate.
Senate Bill 635 directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to establish a sentencing enhancement for certain drug-related offenses committed within 1,000 feet of a drug and alcohol recovery house.
“These recovery houses are meant to offer a lifeline to Pennsylvanians fighting to overcome addiction,” said Langerholc. “Drug dealers who deliberately target individuals on the path to recovery are exploiting those working toward recovery and endangering public safety.”
The bill builds on the General Assembly’s unanimous passage of Act 59 of 2017, which established standards for recovery houses to ensure a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment for individuals in recovery. Despite these protections, some individuals continue to sell controlled substances near these facilities, undermining recovery and endangering lives.
Senate Bill 635 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando