IA
Iowa Senate Bill SSB3021

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3021

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 SF 2339.)

Impact

The proposed changes would impact Iowa's laws by updating the definitions and classifications surrounding several controlled substances. By aligning Iowa's laws more closely with the latest federal regulations, the bill seeks to streamline the handling of controlled substances and fortify health and safety protocols. This alignment is particularly significant in a landscape of ever-evolving synthetic drugs, which often emerge faster than legislative frameworks can adapt.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3021 (SSB3021) aims to revise Iowa's regulations on controlled substances. The bill introduces amendments to the state's uniform controlled substances schedule by including specific new substances and removing outdated clauses. Among the newly listed substances are Zipeprol, Brorphine, and Metonitazene, which are classified under various sections of the existing drug laws. These changes are intended to ensure current laws reflect ongoing developments in drug substances and enhance public safety in relation to substance abuse.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding SSB3021 is the potential impact on law enforcement and judicial proceedings. By broadening the scope of what constitutes a controlled substance, critics argue it may lead to increased prosecutions for drug-related offenses, which could exacerbate incarceration rates without addressing underlying issues of substance abuse and addiction. Furthermore, the classification of new substances could raise concerns about the adequacy of scientific understanding and assessments of these drugs before they are legislatively defined as controlled.

Enforcement

The bill outlines specific penalties for violations related to these controlled substances, including classifications that could entail severe criminal charges. For example, violations can lead to a class B felony charge which carries significant penalties including fines and mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment. Such stringent measures highlight the emphasis on deterrence within the legislative intent of SSB3021.

Latest SSB3021 Activity

Companion Bills

IA HSB544

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 HF 2166.)

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 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 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 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.