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HB 2529

An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for schedules of controlled substances and for secure storage of xylazine; and adding provisions relating to medetomidine.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 7 co-sponsors

HB 2529 would place medetomidine in Schedule III and tighten secure storage rules for xylazine to curb misuse and strengthen regulated-substance controls.

Third consideration and final passage
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Bill Summary · HB 2529

Summary of Bill HB 2529 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

  • HB 2529 proposes amendments to The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act (the Act) to:
    • Reclassify medetomidine as a Schedule III controlled substance.
    • strengthen or clarify provisions related to the storage of xylazine.
    • update schedules of controlled substances and related regulatory provisions as part of the Act’s framework.

Key provisions and changes

  • Scheduling of medetomidine:
    • The bill, as reflected in the sponsor memo, would place medetomidine on Schedule III of the Pennsylvania controlled substances schedule.
    • Schedule III designation typically signals a substance with potential for abuse but with accepted medical uses; penalties and regulatory controls align accordingly.
  • Secure storage of xylazine:
    • The Act would be amended to specify or reinforce secure storage requirements for xylazine, a drug increasingly scrutinized as a precursor or adulterant in illicit activity.
    • The exact storage standards (e.g., locking requirements, inventory, recordkeeping) would be detailed in the amended text, aligning with other regulated substances.
  • Adjustments to schedules and related provisions:
    • The amendment may also adjust how certain substances are scheduled and how they are regulated under the Act, ensuring consistency with federal classifications and public health considerations.
    • While the given material emphasizes medetomidine and xylazine, the bill could include ancillary changes to schedules or cross-references within the Act to maintain coherence.

Who/what would be affected

  • Regulated entities:
    • Manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, clinicians, and other stakeholders handling medetomidine would be subject to Schedule III controls, including prescribing, dispensing, recording, and security requirements.
    • Entities handling xylazine would be subject to stricter secure storage provisions.
  • Public health and safety:
    • The changes aim to curb misuse or diversion of medetomidine and xylazine by implementing appropriate scheduling and storage safeguards.
  • Law enforcement and regulatory agencies:
    • Agencies administering the Act would apply the updated scheduling and storage provisions, potentially affecting enforcement and compliance activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status:
    • As of the latest action, HB 2529 was referred to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee on May 22, 2026.
  • Next steps:
    • The bill would progress through committee hearings, potential amendments, and then full chamber votes, followed by actions in the other legislative chamber as applicable.
  • House sponsor and co-sponsors:
    • Prime sponsor: Representative Greg Scott (District 54).
    • Co-sponsors: Representatives Liz Hanbidge, Eddie Pashinski, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and Benjamin Sanchez.

Practical implications and considerations

  • Regulatory alignment:
    • Scheduling medetomidine as Schedule III aligns Pennsylvania law with controlled-substance regulation practices that balance medical utility with abuse prevention.
  • Compliance burden:
    • A Schedule III designation entails stricter controls on distribution, recordkeeping, storage, and reporting for medetomidine and related substances, increasing compliance requirements for regulated entities.
  • Public safety objective:
    • Enhanced storage rules for xylazine support efforts to deter diversion and illicit use, addressing concerns about its role in the drug supply.

Note: The bill text, as posted, primarily indicates scheduling changes and storage provisions. For precise language, definitions, schedules, penalties, and regulatory details, refer to the bill’s full text and any associated fiscal or impact notes once published.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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