IA
Iowa House Bill HSB544

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB544

Introduced
1/10/24  
Introduced
1/10/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances, including certain controlled substances schedules and precursor substances reporting requirements, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2166.)

Impact

The implementation of HSB544 reflects an effort to keep state laws aligned with evolving understandings of drug substances, which may fluctuate based on emerging trends in substance abuse and trafficking. By amending controlled substances classifications, the bill aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to respond effectively to the challenges posed by new psychoactive substances. Furthermore, the explicit detailing of penalties aims to deter individuals and groups from violating these laws, thereby potentially impacting rates of substance abuse within the state.

Summary

House Study Bill 544 (HSB544) addresses issues related to controlled substances by proposing amendments to Iowa's uniform controlled substances Act. The bill modifies the schedules of certain controlled substances, including the addition of new substances and the removal of others, thereby updating the legal framework guiding the classification and regulation of these substances. It establishes specific penalties for violations associated with the new classifications, which range from class B felonies to aggravated misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the offense.

Contention

Despite the proactive intentions behind HSB544, there may be points of contention regarding the inclusion of certain substances within the controlled schedules. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to overly punitive measures against individuals struggling with addiction, particularly if the penalties appear too harsh for the nature of the substances involved. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how these regulatory changes impact local healthcare and addiction recovery programs, which could bear the brunt of increased enforcement without sufficient support for rehabilitation efforts.

Latest HSB544 Activity

Companion Bills

IA SSB3021

Related A bill for an act relating to controlled substances, including certain controlled substances schedules and precursor substances reporting requirements, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2339.)

IA HF2166

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to controlled substances, including certain controlled substances schedules and precursor substances reporting requirements, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 544.) Effective date: 05/01/2024.

IA SF2339

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to controlled substances, including certain controlled substances schedules and precursor substances reporting requirements, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3021.)

Similar Bills

IA HF595

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances including the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance including fentanyl; the manufacture of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor; conspiracy to manufacture for delivery or delivery or intent or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a minor; receipt, provision, and administration of opioid antagonists, including by secondary distributors; providing for immunity; and providing penalties. (Formerly HSB 104.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

CA AB2782

Controlled substances: fentanyl.

CA SB161

Controlled substances: fentanyl.

CA SB1103

Controlled substances: fentanyl.

IA SSB1096

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances including the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance including fentanyl; the manufacture of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor; conspiracy to manufacture for delivery or delivery or intent or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a minor; receipt, provision, and administration of opioid antagonists, including by secondary distributors, providing for immunity; and providing penalties.(See SF 508.)

IA HSB104

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances including the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance including fentanyl; the manufacture of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor; conspiracy to manufacture for delivery or delivery or intent or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a minor; receipt, provision, and administration of opioid antagonists, including by secondary distributors, providing for immunity; and providing penalties.(See HF 595.)

IA SF508

A bill for an act relating to controlled substances including the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance including fentanyl; the manufacture of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor; conspiracy to manufacture for delivery or delivery or intent or conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a minor; receipt, provision, and administration of opioid antagonists, including by secondary distributors; providing for immunity; and providing penalties.(Formerly SSB 1096.)

CA SB58

Controlled substances: decriminalization of certain hallucinogenic substances.