Bill > A05099

This bill adds xylazine, a veterinary sedative and muscle relaxant, to the list of controlled substances in New York state, while creating a specific exemption for its use in veterinary medicine. Specifically, the bill allows possession, sale, administration, prescription, and distribution of xylazine only when it is expressly intended for injection into cattle or other nonhuman species and has been approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for such use. Any individual who knowingly administers xylazine to themselves or another person, or who prescribes, dispenses, or distributes xylazine for human consumption or non-veterinary purposes, will be subject to the same legal penalties as those who violate other controlled substance regulations. The bill defines xylazine by its chemical name (N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazin-2-amine) and will take effect 30 days after becoming law. The primary intent appears to be restricting human use of this substance, which has been increasingly associated with dangerous drug mixtures, while preserving its legitimate veterinary applications.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5099