Amendment #691 to H4600

Xylazine Commission

Representatives Jones of North Reading, Ferguson of Holden, Frost of Auburn, Gifford of Wareham, Barrows of Mansfield and Smola of Warren move to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

“SECTION XX. (a) There is hereby established a special commission to study and identify ways to address the public health and public safety threat posed by the proliferation of xylazine as an additive to illicit drugs such as fentanyl.

(b) In conducting its study, the commission shall consider, but not be limited to, (1) identifying ways to better regulate and oversee the production and distribution of xylazine to ensure that it is used solely for its intended purpose as an animal tranquilizer administered by licensed veterinarians and not for human consumption; (2) determining if xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and what the appropriate punishment should be for its illegal production and distribution outside of lawful veterinary practices; and (3) identifying the availability of effective outreach and treatment programs for patients who have been exposed to xylazine and ways to address any gaps in available programs and services.

(c) The members of the commission shall include the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use, and recovery, or their designees, who shall serve as co-chairs; the secretary of the executive office of health and human services or their designee; the commissioner of public health or their designee; the commissioner of mental health or their designee; the secretary of the executive office of public safety and security or their designee; a representative of the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services; a representative of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association; a registered nurse or licensed physician with experience in treating patients for substance abuse, to be appointed by the governor; one member appointed by the speaker of the house; one member appointed by the minority leader of the house; one member appointed by the senate president; and one member appointed by the minority leader of the senate. All commission members shall be appointed within 30 days of the effective date of this act.

(d) The commission shall file a report, including any recommendations for legislative action, with the clerks of the house and the senate no later than June 30, 2025.”

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #691 to H4600

Xylazine Commission