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Assembly Health Committee advances bill to ban sale of tianeptine, citing addiction risks
Summary
The Health Committee voted Jan. 13 to send AB 634 to the Judiciary Committee; author Jeff Gonzales said the bill would prohibit manufacture, distribution and sale of tianeptine, shift penalties from criminal to civil, and protect retail workers and research use.
The California State Assembly Health Committee voted Jan. 13 to refer AB 634 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee after hearing from the bill3s author and a supporting law-enforcement group.
Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales presented AB 634 as a measure to prohibit the manufacturing, distribution and sale of tianeptine, a substance he and witnesses described in testimony as posing opioid-like effects and addiction risks. Gonzales said amendments have narrowed the bill3s scope, changed penalties from criminal to civil, and included civil cost-recovery provisions to promote enforcement while avoiding unintended punishment of retail employees.
Why it matters: Gonzales and supporters said tianeptine is being sold over-the-counter at convenience stores and could be accessible to children. The author said the measure balances public health concerns with protections for employees and legitimate medical research; he also said the bill team would work with Judiciary Committee staff on technical changes related to enforcement and commerce-clause issues.
Supporters: Ryan Sherman, testifying for the California Narcotic Officers Association, asked members for an aye vote and said the association would sponsor the measure. Sherman praised recent narrowing of the bill to avoid collateral consequences while preserving regulatory authority.
Committee action and procedure: A motion to consider the measure was moved by Krell and seconded by Sanchez; after roll call the committee recorded the motion as "do pass to Judiciary." The secretary announced the measure as out of committee.
What remains: Gonzales told the committee he and staff would continue to refine the bill3s language in Judiciary to protect employees and preserve research exceptions. The Judiciary Committee will consider technical amendments and enforcement details next.
Quote: "This measure has come very far since its introduction," Gonzales said, adding that amendments narrow the bill to avoid implicating employees who do not have authority over what is sold in stores.
The committee recorded its vote and ordered AB 634 to Judiciary. The hearing then proceeded to other agenda items.
