Combating Illicit Xylazine Act
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 1266, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, would place xylazine—an animal sedative increasingly found mixed into illicit drug supplies—into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. It defines the drug legally, sets rules for who may lawfully possess it as an "ultimate user," and directs that manufacturers, prescribers, and pharmacies follow Schedule III requirements, with certain transition periods: security-standard capital expenses for existing manufacturers are waived, labeling and packaging rules are delayed one year, and practitioner registration rules are delayed 60 days. The bill also adds xylazine to the DEA's ARCOS drug-tracking system.
The bill primarily affects veterinarians, pharmacies, drug manufacturers, and law enforcement, as well as people who legally use xylazine for animal care, government animal-control programs, or wildlife management. It directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, update federal sentencing guidelines for offenses involving xylazine, and requires the Justice Department and FDA to report to Congress on xylazine's illicit use, trafficking patterns, and related substances within 18 months, with a follow-up report after four years.
The bill was introduced in February 2025, referred to the Energy and Commerce and Judiciary Committees, and reported with amendments in September 2026. It passed the House by voice vote on September 15, 2026, and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official 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 Food and Drug Administration, to report on (1) the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use in the United States, and (2) updated information on the prevalence and proliferation of xylazine trafficking and misuse in the United States.
Timeline
15 Sep 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
21 Jul 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1266 do?
- H.R. 1266, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, would place xylazine—an animal sedative increasingly found mixed into illicit drug supplies—into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. It defines the drug legally, sets rules for who may lawfully possess it as an "ultimate user," and directs that manufacturers, prescribers, and pharmacies follow Schedule III requirements, with certain transition periods: security-standard capital expenses for existing manufacturers are waived, labeling and packaging rules are delayed one year, and practitioner registration rules are delayed 60 days. The bill also adds xylazine to the DEA's ARCOS drug-tracking system. The bill primarily affects veterinarians, pharmacies, drug manufacturers, and law enforcement, as well as people who legally use xylazine for animal care, government animal-control programs, or wildlife management. It directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, update federal sentencing guidelines for offenses involving xylazine, and requires the Justice Department and FDA to report to Congress on xylazine's illicit use, trafficking patterns, and related substances within 18 months, with a follow-up report after four years. The bill was introduced in February 2025, referred to the Energy and Commerce and Judiciary Committees, and reported with amendments in September 2026. It passed the House by voice vote on September 15, 2026, and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
- Has H.R. 1266 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Sep 2026, H.R. 1266 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 1266?
- H.R. 1266 was sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta [D-CA19] (Democrat-CA), with 114 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1266?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (15 Sep 2026).
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