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Committee advances House Bill 29 to update Idaho controlled-substances schedules
Summary
House Bill 29 would add multiple synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines and stimulants to Schedule I, add anabolic steroid derivatives to Schedule III, and add an FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression to Schedule IV; the committee voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Nikki Chopsky, identified in the hearing as health professions bureau chief at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and executive officer for several professional boards, presented House Bill 29. The bill would update Idaho’s controlled-substances schedules to add a set of synthetic illicit substances and some newly regulated pharmaceuticals.
Chopsky summarized the scheduling changes by class: ten synthetic fentanyl-related substances proposed for Schedule I; seven synthetic cannabinoids (THC-related substances) proposed for Schedule I; five synthetic benzodiazepines proposed for Schedule I; two synthetic stimulants commonly known as "bath salts" proposed for Schedule I; 23 synthetic anabolic testosterone derivatives proposed for Schedule III; and zuranolone (identified in the transcript as a new FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression with the brand name "Zirzuve") proposed for Schedule IV. She told the committee the changes are part of an annual review the state conducts because Idaho does not automatically incorporate the federal DEA scheduling by reference, and that the Board of Pharmacy reviews federal scheduling actions and considers local overdose and abuse data in its recommendations.
Chopsky said there was no expected fiscal impact to the general fund or the board’s dedicated fund. After questions about the process and prior scheduling, Senator Wintrow moved to send House Bill 29 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation; Senator Blaylock seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.
Ending: The bill will move to the Senate floor for further debate and any amendments; the committee record includes the board’s explanation of the annual process for scheduling and the classes of substances proposed.
