Proposed by Del. Keith Hodges, R-Middlesex, House Bill 1187 aims to curb the misuse of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, in human consumption scenarios. Under this bill, knowingly selling, distributing, or manufacturing xylazine for human use would constitute a Class 5 felony, while possessing it for such purposes would be a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Xylazine, commonly known as "tranq" on the streets, is often combined with potent opioids like fentanyl, posing severe health risks to individuals. Hodges emphasized the dangers of this combination, citing its potential to induce central nervous system depression, muscle relaxation, and hypertension in humans, creating a recipe for disaster.
Recognizing the escalating threat posed by the mixture of xylazine and fentanyl, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy designated it as an emerging concern for the nation. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a concerning trend, with the percentage of deaths involving this drug cocktail rising significantly from 3% to 11% between January 2019 and June 2022.
Susan Seward of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association highlighted the vital role of xylazine in veterinary medicine, stressing its legitimate uses in various industries. However, she clarified that the diversion of xylazine to illicit markets primarily stems from sources outside the veterinary community, such as illicit manufacturing operations abroad.
Importantly, the legislation does not impede the lawful use of xylazine for veterinary purposes.
In another legislative development, Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, introduced House Bill 611, which mandates comprehensive reporting on deaths that occur in custody. This bill requires all law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities to furnish the Department of Criminal Justice Services with detailed information regarding such deaths, including date, time, location, and circumstances.
The Department of Criminal Justice Services would analyze this data to identify measures to mitigate custodial deaths. Non-compliant agencies could face ineligibility for state grants or funds.
Price underscored the urgency of implementing state-level reporting requirements, given the federal government's delayed action on a similar mandate. She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, noting that often, crucial information regarding custodial deaths is only accessible through journalistic investigations.
According to reports, Virginia witnessed a concerning rise in custodial deaths in recent years, with numbers spiking from 41 deaths in 2019 to 77 in 2021, before slightly declining to 68 in 2022. Price emphasized the correlation between comprehensive reporting and reduced rates of custodial fatalities, citing research supporting this assertion.
House Bill 611 passed the House with overwhelming support and is now under consideration by the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.'
Source: Virginia Mercury