Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-01-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-01-20 Senate Journal Page 2007 SB 200 SENATE BILL NO. 200 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act designating ketamine hydrochloride as a schedule IVA controlled substance; and providing for an effective date. 2000-01-20 Senate Journal Page 2008 SB 200 was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. Indeterminate fiscal note published today from Department of Administration. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Corrections, Department of Law, Department of Public Safety. Governors transmittal letter dated January 18: Dear President Pearce: As part of the state's continuing efforts to control drug abuse, I am transmitting a bill that adds ketamine hydrochloride as a Schedule IVA controlled substance to the Alaska statutes relating to misconduct involving controlled substances. Ketamine hydrochloride is a synthetic drug that was developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic. It is commonly used by veterinarians. It was used as an anesthetic on the battlefield during the Vietnam War and considered a desirable anesthetic under battlefield conditions because it takes effect quickly and is remains effective for a relatively short period. However, experience with the drug has shown that upon awakening, humans often experience hallucinations, agitation, and delirium. Currently the drug is being abused because of these side effects. Ketamine hydrochloride has been listed as a controlled substance in other states such as New York, California, New Jersey, and Illinois, where abuse of the drug is prevalent. Although the drug is not yet common in Alaska, a veterinary clinic in Fairbanks was recently burglarized, and one of the alleged perpetrators admitted that the purpose of the break-in was to steal ketamine hydrochloride. Adding the drug to scheduled controlled substances will give law enforcement the necessary tool to help control its abuse in our state. 2000-01-20 Senate Journal Page 2009 SB 200 I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor