Senate Bill 635
INCREASED PENALTIES FOR DRUG DELIVERY NEAR RECOVERY HOUSES
Description: SB 635 would create a sentencing enhancement for drug-related offenses committed within 1,000 feet of a drug and alcohol recovery house.
PA Justice Alliance Member Positions & Feedback
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Research shows that mandating sentences and enhancements based solely on geographical distance from a physical location is futile, fiscally irresponsible, and disparately harmful to more densely populated communities.
Mimicking ineffective laws to increase sentences for people who manufacture or distribute controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a drug and alcohol recovery house is poor policy. It will only contribute to Pennsylvania’s shockingly high corrections population at a time where the Department is struggling with a staffing crisis and staggering overtime expenditures.
FAMM strongly opposes SB 635 and encourages the General Assembly to reject futile policy proposals and instead work toward solutions that will actually create a positive impact in Pennsylvania’s communities.
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SB 635 would expand the crimes code and PDAP opposes legislation that would increase the sentences our clients face.
Additionally, the enhancements proposed under SB 635 are not needed. Courts can and routinely already do take into account the circumstances of the offense during sentencing. We recommend not adding new penalties or sentencing enhancements until we have data about the extensive changes made to the guidelines in 2024. Until we know those changes operate to meet their intended goals, any new enhancements risk exacerbating unintended inequalities.
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