Pennsylvania lawmakers are set to pass a new ban on supervised drug consumption, effectively ending a Philadelphia nonprofit’s long-running effort to offer a sanctioned substance-use site meant to prevent overdose and death.
A bill outlawing sites that “knowingly” provide a space for drug consumption passed a committee vote by a wide margin on Tuesday. It now advances to the full state senate, where it is also expected to pass. Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, has expressed strong opposition to supervised injection sites in the past, and is expected to sign the legislation.
While supervised consumption advocates argue that the service would prevent overdoses, reduce disease transmission, and potentially help people access addiction treatment, local lawmakers say the bill reflects their constituents’ opposition to sanctioned drug use sites.
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