Legislation Search

S. 545: Combating Illicit Xylazine Act

This bill, known as the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, aims to regulate the use and distribution of the substance xylazine by amending the Controlled Substances Act. Here are the primary components of the bill:

1. Definition of Xylazine

The bill defines xylazine and its derivatives as controlled substances. This includes any salts or isomers of xylazine.

2. Schedule III Classification

Xylazine will be classified as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification means xylazine is recognized for its potential to be abused, but it also has accepted medical uses. Consequently, the following regulations will apply:

Manufacturers will need to adhere to security requirements for handling Schedule III substances.
Regulations regarding labeling, packaging, and distribution will be implemented but will take effect one year after the bill is enacted.
Regulations on practitioner registration, inventory, and recordkeeping will be applied, but will not be enforced until 60 days post-enactment.

3. Exceptions for Veterinary Use

The bill clarifies that individuals can possess xylazine if it is dispensed by a veterinarian or a registered pharmacy under a veterinarian's prescription. This allows for continued legal use in veterinary practices. It specifies that:

Only individuals possessing xylazine for animal uses, such as for pets or wildlife programs, will qualify as "ultimate users" without needing additional registration.

4. Manufacturing and Security Requirements

Businesses that manufacture xylazine will not be required to immediately upgrade their facilities to meet enhanced security standards that would typically be required for Schedule III substances.

5. Tracking and Reporting

Xylazine will be included in tracking requirements for substances that are monitored for illegal distribution, particularly in relation to the illegal drug trade.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission will review and may amend sentencing guidelines related to offenses involving xylazine to reflect its new classification.

6. Reports to Congress

The Attorney General will be required to submit reports to Congress within specified time frames about the use and abuse of xylazine. These reports will analyze:

The prevalence of illicit xylazine use and its impacts in the U.S.
Sources and points of diversion for the drug.
The existence of related substances with potential for abuse.

7. Objectives and Goals

The bill aims to address the rising concern surrounding the misuse of xylazine and its implications for public health and safety while ensuring that legitimate veterinary uses are not disrupted.

Relevant Companies

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This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

Actions

3 actions

Date	Action
Mar. 26, 2026	Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Feb. 12, 2025	Introduced in Senate
Feb. 12, 2025	Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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