HARRISBURG – The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Lisa Baker (R-20) that would update Pennsylvania’s controlled-substance scheduling on October 24.

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.

“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.” Robinson said. 

“I have spoken with many district attorneys, especially within my district, who strongly support this legislation,” said Baker, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

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