FILE - Pennsylvania's Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks at the state Capitol, Jan. 17, 2023, in Harrisburg, Pa. Shapiro — a first-term Democrat seen by his party as a rising star nationally — gave his backing to a Republican-backed school voucher proposal over the summer. School choice advocates say that makes Shapiro unique among Democratic governors and could mark an evolution in traditional alliances on school choice politics.
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AP Photo/Matt Rourke
FILE - Pennsylvania's Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks at the state Capitol, Jan. 17, 2023, in Harrisburg, Pa. Shapiro — a first-term Democrat seen by his party as a rising star nationally — gave his backing to a Republican-backed school voucher proposal over the summer. School choice advocates say that makes Shapiro unique among Democratic governors and could mark an evolution in traditional alliances on school choice politics.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will sign legislation to criminalize the misuse of a powerful animal tranquilizer called xylazine that is showing up in supplies of illicit drugs and contributing to a growing number of human overdose deaths, his office said Wednesday.
Xylazine, which is being mixed into fentanyl and other illicit opioids, will remain legal for its intended use by veterinarians.
The bill received approval from the state House of Representatives and the Senate in the past week.
Under the bill, xylazine will be listed as a “schedule III” drug under Pennsylvania’s controlled substance law, formalizing an order that Shapiro issued last year when Pennsylvania joined a growing list of states that were moving to restrict access to xylazine.
Xylazine is a prescription sedative used by veterinarians to safely handle and treat farm animals, wildlife, zoo animals and household pets such as cats and dogs.
Officials say the pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing drug, sometimes referred to as “tranq,” is often abused by being added to fentanyl and heroin. It was detected in 3,000 U.S. drug deaths in 2021, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
The illicit use of schedule III drugs carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to five years. The law would require that the drug be stored safely when used professionally, to prevent theft or improper access.
Xylazine can cause breathing and heart rates to fall to dangerous levels when used in humans. When injected it can cause large open sores and infections, sometimes leading to amputation.
The Associated Press and WITF’s democracy reporter Jordan Wilkie are partnering to tell stories about how Pennsylvania elections work, and to debunk misinformation surrounding elections.