S 545

Summary

Combating Illicit Xylazine Act This bill regulates xylazine under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Xylazine, also known as tranq , is a nonopioid sedative and pain reliever that is approved for use in animals. Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported an increase in trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. This bill adds xylazine, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, to schedule III of the CSA. Schedule III controlled substances, including anabolic steroids, buprenorphine, and ketamine, have less potential for abuse than a schedule I or II substance, have a currently accepted medical use, and have low or moderate risk of dependence if abused. Under the bill, manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing xylazine, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense xylazine for illicit use is subject to criminal penalties under the CSA. The bill also requires xylazine transactions to be tracked in the drug reporting system maintained by the DEA. The bill exempts from registration under the CSA persons and entities that possess xylazine (1) lawfully dispensed by a veterinarian or pharmacy and (2) for an animal or for use in certain animal-control or wildlife programs. The bill also exempts xylazine manufacturers from the CSA's physical security requirements. Finally, the bill requires the DEA, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to provide Congress with a report on how the agencies previously determined whether xylazine should be a controlled substance, including the full text of HHS's recommendations to the DEA for scheduling xylazine.

Bill status

Status

Reported

Sponsor

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto [D-NV]

Cosponsors

35

Policy area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced

2025-02-12

Latest action

2026-04-15: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 372.

Committee referrals

• Judiciary Committee: Senate · Markup By · 2026-03-26
• Judiciary Committee: Senate · Referred To · 2025-02-12

Recent actions

• 2026-04-15: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 372.
• 2026-04-15: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
• 2026-03-26: Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
• 2025-02-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-02-12: Introduced in Senate