Amendment #8 to H4891

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 amendment by inserting the following section:-

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

(b) The commission shall consist of the following 13 members: the chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use, and recovery, who shall serve as co-chairs; 1 member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; 1 member appointed by the senate president; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the senate; the secretary 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 public safety and security, or their designee; 1 member who is a representative of the bureau of substance addiction services within the department of public health; 1 member who is a representative of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association; and 1 member appointed by the governor who shall be a registered nurse or licensed physician with experience in treating patients for substance use disorder. All commission members shall be appointed within 60 days of the effective date of this act.

(c) The commission shall consider: (i) best practices to 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; (ii) whether xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and appropriate penalties for its illegal production and distribution; (iii) 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; and (iv) any other considerations determined to be relevant by the commission.

(d) The commission shall file a report and its recommendations, including any legislation necessary to implement the recommendations, with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate not later than June 30, 2025.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #8 to H4891

Xylazine Commission