2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103688D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1103

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact § 18.2-251.5 of the Code of Virginia, relating to manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine; penalties.

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Patron—Hodges

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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 18.2-251.5 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 18.2-251.5. Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine; penalties.

A. Any person who knowingly manufactures, sells, gives, distributes, or possesses with the intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute the substance medetomidine or xylazine, when intended for human consumption, is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

B. Any person who knowingly possesses the substance medetomidine or xylazine, when intended for human consumption, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. Notwithstanding subsections A and B, it shall not be an offense to (i) manufacture medetomidine or xylazine for legitimate veterinary use; (ii) distribute or sell medetomidine or xylazine for authorized veterinary use; (iii) possess, administer, prescribe, or dispense medetomidine or xylazine in good faith for use by animals within the course of legitimate veterinary practice; or (iv) possess or administer medetomidine or xylazine pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

2. That the provisions of this act may result in a net increase in periods of imprisonment or commitment. Pursuant to § 30-19.1:4 of the Code of Virginia, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities; therefore, Chapter 725 of the Acts of Assembly of 2025 requires the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to assign a minimum fiscal impact of $50,000. Pursuant to § 30-19.1:4 of the Code of Virginia, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.