Special Commission on Public Health Effects of Xylazine

SECTION 36. (a) There shall be 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, including, but not limited to, fentanyl. (b) The commission shall consist of: 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 a designee; the commissioner of public health or a designee; the commissioner of mental health or a designee; the secretary of public safety and security or a designee; 1 member who shall be a representative of the bureau of substance addiction services within the department of public health; 1 member who shall be 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.