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Committee gives due-pass recommendation to HB 29 to add synthetic substances, steroids and new treatment to Idaho schedules
Summary
House Bill 29 would add multiple synthetic fentanyls, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines and stimulants to Schedule I, add 23 anabolic steroid derivatives to Schedule III, and place the FDA‑approved zuranolone into Schedule IV; the Health and Welfare Committee recommended the bill be sent to the Senate floor with a due‑pass.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee recommended House Bill 29 for passage to the full Senate, backing an annual update to Idaho’s controlled‑substances schedules.
Nikki Chopsky, health professions bureau chief at the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and executive officer for several licensing boards, told the committee the Board of Pharmacy administers the state’s regulatory provisions under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act and reviews federal scheduling annually because Idaho does not automatically incorporate federal DEA scheduling by reference. ‘‘That’s why you see this bill every year,’’ Chopsky said, explaining the board’s consideration of overdose data, abuse potential and international patterns when recommending state schedules.
Chopsky summarized the bill’s proposed changes by drug class: adding 10 synthetic fentanyl analogues to the opiates list in Schedule I; adding seven synthetic cannabinoids (THC‑related substances) to Schedule I; adding five synthetic benzodiazepines to Schedule I; adding two synthetic stimulants commonly called ‘‘bath salts’’ to Schedule I; adding 23 man‑made testosterone derivatives used as anabolic steroids to Schedule III (joining roughly 60 already listed); and adding zuranolone (an FDA‑approved treatment for postpartum depression) to Schedule IV.
Chopsky said the Board of Pharmacy prepared the list to allow enforcement action as needed and that the scheduling changes are not expected to have a fiscal impact on the general or dedicated funds. After brief committee discussion about the schedules and the annual review process, Senator Maryanne Wintrow moved to send HB 29 to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote.
Committee members asked why Idaho conducts its own review instead of incorporating the DEA list by reference. Chopsky explained that Idaho is one of 12 states that does not incorporate federal scheduling wholesale; the board annually evaluates federal scheduling and may recommend the same or different state listings based on local data and other factors.
The bill will proceed to the Senate floor for consideration.
