Stuart Passes Synthetic Drug Classification Bill out of House Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, advanced a bill out of the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee that would expand fentanyl classification and classify emerging synthetic drugs, specifically those closely related to current scheduled drugs, as harmful substances.

“Synthetic drugs are an increasing threat to everyone and although they are closely related to common illegal drugs, synthetic drugs are currently legal due to a small loophole,” said Stuart. “To protect people from these harmful substances, the law needs to treat synthetic drugs the same way it already treats other drugs with similar effects.”

Senate Bill 1773, which Stuart is sponsoring in the House, would put certain synthetic drugs into new sections of the existing Illinois Controlled Substance Act, restricting how and when they can be used, and by whom. It would apply to drugs like the veterinary sedative Xylazine, the synthetic opioids known as Isotonitazene and Metonitazine, and the psychoactive drugs MAPDB and MDMA. MDMA is also commonly known as ‘ecstasy.’

The bill also reorganizes and expands the classification of fentanyl related substances to align with federal law.

“We already have laws that restrict drugs that are harmful to humans but, currently, a tiny change to a molecule can transform a banned or restricted substance into a legal one, even
though it has the same effects. That’s why it’s important to ensure they are covered the same way by the same laws,” Stuart said. “Far too many Illinois families have lost loved ones to fentanyl and other opioids. That’s why we’re also stepping up our response to these threats by aligning our policies with longstanding federal laws. By better protecting Illinoisans from these harmful substances, we can prioritize both public safety and the benefits from responsible use of these drugs.”

The bill advanced out of the House Judiciary-Criminal committee and now moves to the House floor for consideration.