Baker, Robinson bill to combat opioid crisis passed by Senate

Oct. 26—DALLAS — The Pennsylvania Senate on Wednesday passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker and Sen. Devlin Robinson that would update Pennsylvania's controlled substance scheduling.

A controlled substance is a drug, substance or immediate precursor included in Schedules I through V of Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. Any drug entering the market must be scheduled.

Senate Bill 959 would amend the act and allow for the scheduling of controlled substances in Pennsylvania to automatically follow the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classification whenever a new substance is added to the federal scheduling.

"The drug epidemic in the United States is crippling our communities and threatening the safety of Pennsylvania residents," said Robinson, R-Pittsburgh. "New drugs are rapidly being produced and sold to individuals struggling with addiction. The sooner we align state scheduling with federal practices, the more lives we can save."

Baker, R-Lehman Township, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said she has spoken with many district attorneys, especially within her district, who strongly support the legislation.

"With several states already implementing similar policies, it's time for Pennsylvania to join so we can begin to prosecute swiftly and successfully," Baker said. "Automatic scheduling is a major step needed to combat the drug crisis."

The bill, which is supported by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.