HB1133 updates Hawaii’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act to align state controlled-substance schedules with recent federal changes, as required by section 329-11, HRS. The bill amends the list of Schedule I opiates, hallucinogens, and stimulants in section 329-14 and revises Schedule IV in section 329-20. In practice, it adds a large number of newly identified synthetic opioids, fentanyl analogs, designer hallucinogens, and stimulant compounds, while also making conforming edits to numbering and cross-references.
The bill also expands Schedule IV by adding Zuranolone to the depressant list and removing the separate Fenfluramine subsection by folding the schedule into a revised structure. It preserves the Department of Law Enforcement’s authority to exempt certain combination products by rule and retains the existing treatment of limited-quantity narcotic drugs such as difenoxin, dextropropoxyphene, and tramadol. The act would take effect upon approval.
Impact
HB1133 would directly amend chapter 329 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, changing the state’s controlled-substance schedules to include additional federally controlled or newly emerging substances. The affected parties are law enforcement, prosecutors, health care providers, pharmacists, laboratories, and anyone manufacturing, distributing, possessing, or prescribing the listed substances. Because the bill tracks federal scheduling changes, it is intended to keep Hawaii’s criminal and regulatory drug laws consistent with federal law and reduce gaps in enforcement.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is largely administrative and technical rather than controversial. Its stated purpose is to keep Hawaii’s controlled-substance schedules consistent with federal amendments, which typically draws support from law enforcement and public health stakeholders seeking uniformity and easier enforcement. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or debate in the available record.
Contention
The main policy issue inherent in the bill is the breadth of the scheduling updates: it adds many synthetic opioids, fentanyl analogs, hallucinogens, and stimulant compounds, which can raise concerns about overbreadth, criminalization, and the pace of scheduling new substances. Another possible point of discussion is the inclusion of substances with legitimate medical or research uses, such as certain depressants and stimulants, and the balance between public safety and access to treatment or prescription medications. However, no specific objections or named opponents appear in the provided materials.
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 19-03.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the scheduling of mitragynine as a schedule I controlled substance.