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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1408 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1603
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Patrick M. O'Connor
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act to conduct a public health study of synthetic drugs in the commonwealth.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Patrick M. O'ConnorFirst Plymouth and Norfolk 1 of 2
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1408 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1603
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1603) of Patrick M. O'Connor for
legislation to conduct a public health study of synthetic drugs in the commonwealth. Public
Health.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 1439 OF 2023-2024.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act to conduct a public health study of synthetic drugs in the commonwealth.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 The department of public health is hereby authorized and directed to conduct a
2comprehensive study of synthetic drugs, as well as their use, effects, prevalence, and health
3implications. For the purposes of this act, the definition of the term “synthetic drug” shall
4include, but not be limited to, synthetic opioids, fentanyl, carfentanil, synthetic cocaine, bath
5salts, MDMA, synthetic marijuana, and synthetic psychedelics. The department shall investigate
6and report on the use, effects, prevalence, and health implications of synthetic drugs in the
7Commonwealth. The department of public health shall collect data on the types of synthetic
8opioids, historical rates of usage and prevalence, as well as physical, mental, and emotional short
9and long term impacts of the drug. The department of public health shall develop strategic and
10legislative recommendations to reduce the use of synthetic drugs by way of public awareness 2 of 2
11campaigns, educational curriculum, and rehabilitative therapies. The department of public health
12shall file a report of its study, including its recommendations and drafts of legislation, with the
13clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives on or before December 1, 2026.