Bill > SB435

This bill, titled the Public Health - Medetomidine and Xylazine Consumer Protection Act, establishes new regulations for the sale of products containing medetomidine and xylazine, which are substances that can be misused. Retailers, defined as any person or business selling, preparing, or advertising these products, are prohibited from distributing or selling them unless the purchaser can provide proof that the intended use is for institutional, veterinary, or scientific purposes. Furthermore, retailers cannot sell these products to anyone under the age of 21. To ensure compliance, retailers must maintain records of all sales, including proof of the purchaser's age and intended use. Violators will face civil penalties, with a first offense costing up to $3,000 and subsequent offenses up to $6,500, with these collected penalties being deposited into the Maryland Substance Abuse Fund. The Department of Health is tasked with creating regulations to implement these provisions, and the act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.