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Committee advances bill to restrict xylazine trafficking and add high‑potency kratom derivative to Schedule I
Summary
A PCS for HB 309 moved out of committee after sponsors said it exempts legitimate veterinary uses, creates penalties for xylazine trafficking, and adds 7‑hydroxymitragynine to Schedule I; law‑enforcement groups supported the measure while an advocacy witness urged a more comprehensive regulatory framework for kratom products.
Rep. Bankson and Rep. Plaikin presented PCS for HB 309 as a three‑part measure: exempt veterinary uses of xylazine, create criminal offenses for illicit xylazine distribution, and add 7‑hydroxymitragynine (a kratom‑derived compound) to Schedule I.
The sponsor said the measure targets manufactured, high‑potency products and reiterated the bill’s limited scope: "This is different than the kratom that is a minor level… this is a different animal altogether," the sponsor said, identifying 400 parts per million as the danger level the bill focuses on.
Jeff Smith of HEART testified in opposition to scheduling a single molecule and urged the legislature to adopt a broader regulatory framework — age limits, child‑resistant packaging, third‑party testing, dosage caps and adverse‑event reporting — rather than codifying a single emergency scheduling order. Smith said the bill “would single out one product that many Floridians rely on and use responsibly” and that a comprehensive regulation would better protect consumers while avoiding unintended market distortions.
Law‑enforcement groups, including representatives from the attorney general’s office, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association, waved support. The sponsor said the measure reflects work with the senate and the attorney general’s office and that the amendment clarifying the chemical name was adopted; the PCS was reported favorably as amended (15 yeas, 1 nay).
Why it matters: The bill combines a public‑safety push against a dangerous adulterated product with exemptions for legitimate veterinary uses. Opponents cautioned that focusing on one compound may leave other hazardous products unregulated and urged more comprehensive safety standards.
The bill will move to subsequent committee consideration with the adopted amendment clarifying the schedule language.
