_and_committee_members_listen_to_testimony_on_xylazine_bill.jpg)
house-clears-meltzer-s-bill-targeting-illicit-use-of-animal-tranquilizer
The Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday advanced State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer's bill classifying xylazine, an animal tranquilizer making its way into street drugs, a controlled substance.
Under Meltzer's legislation, a prescription would be required to possess xylazine, a large animal sedative known as "tranq," or an individual could face criminal penalties.
"Xylazine is being mixed with illicit drugs like heroine and users can experience horrible side effects, and potentially long-lasting consequences," said Meltzer (R-Shelbyville), vice chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee. "Our goal is to give law enforcement a new tool to get this drug off our streets and hold bad actors accountable while also protecting the drug's veterinary uses."
House Bill 1203 makes possession of xylazine a Class A misdemeanor or a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction. Exceptions would include federally approved people who dispense, prescribe or administer a drug containing xylazine, those who manufacture, distribute or use xylazine as an active ingredient for animal drugs, licensed pharmacists and veterinarians, and other federally approved persons.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness and amnesia, and slow breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to dangerously low levels. Repeated xylazine use is also associated with skin ulcers, abscesses and related complications. Since xylazine is not an opiate, overdose reversal medication like Narcan is less effective, increasing the chance of permanent injury or death.
Additionally, Meltzer co-authored a bill to legalize drug testing strips also advanced out of the House of Representatives. House Bill 1053 would remove the tests from being categorized as drug paraphernalia. For example, Meltzer said drug users could use the strips to test any substance for xylazine, fentanyl or other potentially fatal substances.
During the 2023 legislative session, Meltzer authored a new law that tasks coroners with testing for any trace of xylazine in suspected and known drug overdose deaths. This includes if the victim was resistant to reversal medications. She said the data gathered from these reports will help Indiana get a clearer picture of the drug's presence in the state and begin to form an action plan.
House Bill 1203 now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration. To learn more about the bill and other legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
IDPH releases carbon monoxide surveillance report, urges CO detector use
Knox County Solid Waste looking for new Executive Director
Lawrence County authorities make three weekend arrests
Indians capture regional title
Knox County Commissioners host public meeting on solar ordinance Sunday
NWS warns of elevated fire risk
Vincennes among ten Indiana Communities to launch Creative Convergence projects
IECC to hold SPIN nights
INDOT Knox County bridge replacement project
Southwestern Indiana situation ends without incident
INDOT implements new roadway worker safety initiative: Project Greenlight
Metz receives ISBE Excel Award
Good Samaritan Hospital to host annual Wellness Fairs
Knox County Clerk Shelton files for Indiana Secretary of State race
Red Hill Unit #10 moves forward with building work
Illinois State Police announce NITE patrols in southeastern Illinois
Tornado strikes Crawford County with extensive damages
Unit #20 moves forward with improvement project
