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Senate unanimously approves annual update to controlled-substances schedules
Summary
On Feb. 18, 2025, the Idaho Senate passed House Bill 29, an annual measure from the state Board of Pharmacy that updates the state's controlled-substances schedules, adding several illicit drugs to Schedule I, some anabolic steroids to Schedule III and a new postpartum-depression treatment to Schedule IV.
The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 29 on Feb. 18, 2025, by a unanimous vote of 35-0, approving the annual updates to the state's controlled-substances schedules.
The bill, presented during the Senate's third reading calendar, implements the Board of Pharmacy’s recommended changes to the Controlled Substances Act, adding several substances to Schedule I, placing certain anabolic steroids in Schedule III and classifying a new postpartum-depression treatment as Schedule IV, which allows prescriptions.
"This is the annual bill that the board of pharmacy brings," Senator Wintrow said during opening remarks, describing the bill as the mechanism Idaho uses to place drugs on state schedules rather than simply incorporating the federal schedule by reference. "So Idaho is one of a few states that doesn't incorporate by reference our scheduling of illicit drugs. And so therefore, every year, that's why we come back and approve or disapprove of that scheduling."
Supporters said the bill ensures Idaho’s schedule reflects emerging substances and preserves state-level review of classifications. Debate opened and closed without amendment; the roll call showed all 35 senators voting in favor. With passage, the bill's title was approved and it will be returned to the House of Representatives.
The changes affect how law enforcement and health providers classify and may enforce controls for listed substances; the bill text lists specific substances and scheduling decisions. The Board of Pharmacy initiated the recommendations that HB 29 enacted.
The Senate placed the bill before the House for further action; no effective date or emergency clause was discussed on the Senate floor.
