HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) to strengthen protections for individuals in recovery has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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.
“Recovery houses provide a pathway to overcome addiction. Drug dealers who exploit and target those on the road to recovery must be held accountable. This bill strengthens penalties for those that commit these vile acts,” said Langerholc.
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 full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando