(Statehouse) – The governor recently signed into law State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer’s (R-Shelbyville) bill criminalizing possession and dealing of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer being mixed with illegal drugs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, xylazine, also known as the street drug called “tranq,” has become increasingly prevalent in the United States over the past few years.
From January 2019 to June 2022, fentanyl overdoses with xylazine increased by more than 250% across 20 states and the District of Columbia.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness and amnesia, and slow breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
Since it is not an opiate, overdose reversal medication like Narcan is less effective, increasing the chance of permanent injury or death.
Under Meltzer’s House Enrolled Act 1203, an individual who possesses xylazine without a prescription could face criminal penalties. Meltzer said this drug can still be utilized for veterinary purposes and used by certain approved persons like pharmacists and veterinarians.
“Xylazine is a large animal sedative that presents serious risks to drug users,” said Meltzer, vice chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee. “Unfortunately, street dealers are mixing this drug with heroin, meth and fentanyl, and it’s being found in overdose victims. This legislation is a strong step in the right direction to help law enforcement get ‘tranq’ off of our streets.”
The new law makes possession of xylazine a Class A misdemeanor or a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction. A person could face up to a level 4 felony for dealing in xylazine.
Last session, Meltzer authored a new law tasking coroners with testing for any trace of xylazine in suspected and known drug overdose deaths, including if the victim was resistant to overdose reversal medication. She said the data gathered from these reports can help the state understand the scope of the drug’s presence in Indiana and form action plans accordingly.
HEA 1203 will go into effect July 1.
To follow other bills signed into law by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
Meltzer represents House District 73, which includes portions of Decatur, Bartholomew, Jennings and Shelby counties.
(State Representative Jennifer Meltzer press release)
