PA House OKs Williams bill to enhance reporting on state drug and alcohol initiatives
Rep. Dan Williams April 10, 2025 | 11:50 AM
HARRISBURG, April 10 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Dan Williams to improve the annual report that the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs submits to the General Assembly passed the Pennsylvania House Wednesday.
Williams said that since its inception, DDAP has played a critical role in advancing education, intervention, treatment and recovery initiatives across Pennsylvania. As the state continues to fight the opioid crisis and other emerging drug threats, DDAP has strengthened its collaboration with the departments of Health, Corrections, Human Services and other key agencies.
Given DDAP’s growing responsibilities and evolving initiatives, H.B. 640 would update the department’s annual reporting requirements.
“Enhancing reporting would allow the General Assembly to better assess program effectiveness, allocate resources where they are most needed and explore new strategies for addressing substance misuse, treatment and recovery,” Williams said.
Williams said updating the reports would improve communication and collaboration with the public, advocacy organizations and service providers, providing greater transparency and informed public policy.
“With uncertainties surrounding health initiatives and data collection on the federal level under a new administration that does not seem particularly concerned about those things, having the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs use performance benchmarks when evaluating how well programs work will lead to better policymaking in Pennsylvania, and perhaps in other states,” Williams said.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.