Bill > S545

This bill addresses the regulation of xylazine, a veterinary sedative that has increasingly been found in illicit drug mixtures. The bill defines xylazine and adds it to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which means it will be subject to federal drug control regulations. The legislation specifically clarifies that xylazine can only be possessed by veterinarians, pharmacies, and specific entities like government animal control programs or wildlife management agencies. The bill provides a gradual implementation process, giving manufacturers and practitioners a transition period to comply with new registration, labeling, and recordkeeping requirements. Additionally, the bill requires the Drug Enforcement Administration and Food and Drug Administration to submit two reports to Congress: an initial report within 18 months examining the prevalence of illicit xylazine use, its origins, and potential abuse risks, and a follow-up report after four years updating Congress on xylazine trafficking and misuse. The United States Sentencing Commission is also directed to review and potentially modify sentencing guidelines to address offenses involving xylazine, taking into account its various forms and potential combination with other substances.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/545/all-info