Senate committee advances bill updating Schedule I to mirror federal listings

A Senate committee on Wednesday voted to advance Senate Bill 2356, a measure to revise the state's Schedule I under the Uncontrolled Substances Act to conform with recent federal regulatory changes, the committee chair said.

The bill was brought at the recommendation of the State Board of Health, which reviews federal regulatory changes each year and advises the Legislature on aligning state schedules, the chair said. Dr. Edney of the health department was present for the item but did not make substantive remarks during the committee record.

Committee members noted the bill adds roughly nine fentanyl derivatives, along with three opioids and a small number of other substances, to Schedule I. After no questions were raised, an unnamed senator moved that the bill's title was sufficient and that it should “do pass.” Committee members responded “aye” and the chair said the bill would be removed from the committee calendar.

The action advances the state Schedule I changes recommended by the State Board of Health; the bill text and implementing rules will determine how the listed substances are handled in practice. The hearing record included no formal objections from the State Board of Health and no detailed discussion of penalties or enforcement tied specifically to this bill.

The committee did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript excerpt; the motion on the title was approved by voice vote and the chair indicated the bill was removed from the committee agenda.