Bill > S545

This bill, titled the "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act," aims to control the use of xylazine, a substance increasingly found mixed with illicit drugs, by adding it to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes drugs based on their medical use and potential for abuse. A "practitioner" is defined as someone legally authorized to prescribe or administer controlled substances, as per existing law. The bill clarifies that "xylazine" includes its various forms, such as salts. While xylazine is now a Schedule III controlled substance, the bill provides specific exceptions and transition periods for its legitimate use, primarily by veterinarians for animals, and for government animal control and wildlife programs. It also exempts existing xylazine manufacturers from immediate implementation of stringent security upgrades required for Schedule III substances and delays full labeling, packaging, and distribution requirements for one year, and practitioner registration, inventory, and recordkeeping requirements for 60 days, to allow for compliance. Furthermore, the bill mandates tracking of xylazine through the Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS), requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and potentially adjust sentencing guidelines for xylazine offenses, and directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit reports to Congress on xylazine's control, prevalence, and impact.