Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-01-21 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-01-21 House Journal Page 1956 HB 293 HOUSE BILL NO. 293 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2000-01-21 House Journal Page 1957 HB 293 "An Act designating ketamine hydrochloride as a schedule IVA controlled substance; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Indeterminate fiscal note, Dept. of Administration, 1/21/00 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Corrections, 1/21/00 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Law, 1/21/00 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Public Safety, 1/21/00 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18, 2000, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: 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 2000-01-21 House Journal Page 1958 HB 293 the drug to scheduled controlled substances will give law enforcement the necessary tool to help control its abuse in our state. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"