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H 4261

An Act regulating kratom sales in the Commonwealth (Ty's Bill)

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Bill H 4261 regulates kratom sales in Massachusetts, aiming to protect public health by controlling its compounds, reducing addiction risks, and ensuring retailer compliance.

Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 4261

Summary of Bill H 4261: An Act Regulating Kratom Sales in the Commonwealth (Ty's Bill)

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4261, also known as Ty's Bill, aims to regulate the sale of kratom within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The primary intent of the legislation is to address public health concerns associated with the unregulated sale of kratom, a substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. The bill is framed as an emergency law, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent potential health risks and fatalities linked to kratom use.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to the General Laws of Massachusetts:

  • Amendment to Chapter 94C: The bill seeks to amend Section 31 of Chapter 94C by adding new classifications for specific compounds found in kratom:
    • 7-hydroxymitragynine
    • hydroxymitragynine
    • mitragynine

These additions categorize these compounds under controlled substances, thereby regulating their sale and distribution.

Impact

The regulation of kratom sales is expected to have several implications:

  • Public Health Protection: By controlling the sale of kratom and its active compounds, the bill aims to reduce the risks of addiction, overdose, and other health-related issues associated with unregulated kratom use.
  • Retail Compliance: Retailers selling kratom will need to comply with new regulations, which may include licensing, labeling, and age restrictions for purchasers.
  • Consumer Awareness: The bill may enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential risks of kratom, promoting safer usage practices.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 27, 2025
  • Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing is set for November 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room A-1, where stakeholders can provide input on the bill.
  • Legislative Journey:
    • The bill was referred to the committee on House Rules upon introduction.
    • It was later reported and referred to the committee on The Judiciary, where it received further consideration.
    • The Senate concurred with the bill on July 10, 2025.

Sponsorship

The bill is primarily sponsored by Representative Colleen M. Garry, who represents the 36th Middlesex District.

Related Bills

  • HD 4419: This bill replaces House Docket No. 4419, which may have contained similar provisions or objectives regarding kratom regulation.

This summary provides an overview of Bill H 4261, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative progress. The regulation of kratom sales is a significant step towards ensuring public health and safety in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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

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