An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for drug overdose response immunity.
HB 1945 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to expand legal immunity for individuals who call 911 during a drug overdose. It directly affects bystanders and overdose victims who seek emergency help, protecting them from drug possession charges when reporting an overdose. The bill strengthens existing immunity by broadening the circumstances under which calling for assistance won't lead to criminal penalties. This policy change aims to encourage prompt emergency response without fear of legal repercussions for drug-related offenses.
Bill status
in committee
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Oct 16, 2025
Last action Apr 27, 2026
Floor votes · House Apr 27, 2026
How they voted
26–0
Passed
Total votes 26
Apr 27, 2026
D
Democratic14
100% Yea
R
Republican12
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Apr 27, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (26-0)
house
Apr 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported as committed
lower
Oct 16, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Paul Friel
DDemocratic
Co
Ben Sanchez
DDemocratic
Co
Ben Waxman
DDemocratic
Co
Carol Hill-Evans
DDemocratic
Co
Dan Williams
DDemocratic
Co
Ed Neilson
DDemocratic
Co
Emily Kinkead
DDemocratic
Co
John Inglis
DDemocratic
Co
Kristine Howard
DDemocratic
Co
La'Tasha Mayes
DDemocratic
Co
Liz Hanbidge
DDemocratic
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