Wisconsin Senate Bill SB931

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Pill tableting devices, pill encapsulation devices, and providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill introduces penalties that significantly exceed those currently prescribed for general drug paraphernalia. Under SB931, illegal possession or delivery of these devices can result in fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to nine months. This establishes a new tier of legal restrictions that specifically targets the operations surrounding pill pressing and encapsulating. As a result, individuals or entities who wish to possess or use these devices will need to be licensed or involved in academic research, aligning their activities with established regulations under state laws.

Summary

Senate Bill 931 addresses the regulations surrounding pill tableting devices and pill encapsulation devices in the state of Wisconsin. The legislation aims to explicitly classify these devices as drug paraphernalia under state law, which means their use and possession will be regulated more strictly. Currently, while the law defines a broad range of items considered drug paraphernalia, the specific inclusion of these devices aims to close gaps in enforcement while addressing the rising concerns regarding the illicit manufacturing of controlled substances.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB931 is expected to focus primarily on the implications of restricting access to pill tableting and encapsulation devices. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to combat drug abuse and the illegal manufacturing of drugs, pointing out that easier access to these devices could contribute to a public health crisis. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding the potential stifling of legitimate research and educational use, arguing that researchers in universities and academic settings may be disproportionately affected by the newly imposed restrictions.