New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08979

Introduced
8/13/25  
Refer
8/13/25  

Caption

Provides that no corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, online platform, or any other business entity doing business in this state shall knowingly sell, offer for sale, or deliver medetomidine to individuals without proof of its intended use for institutional, veterinary, or scientific purposes.

Impact

If enacted, A08979 would significantly affect the state's regulatory landscape around veterinary and medical drugs by setting clear guidelines for the sale of medetomidine. This includes preventing sales to individuals under the age of twenty-one and ensuring that businesses retain appropriate sales records and proof of age from all purchasers. The bill adds a layer of accountability and oversight to the sale of this potentially potent sedative, aligning with public safety and health standards. Any violations would result in civil penalties, which are structured to escalate with repeated offenses.

Summary

Bill A08979 proposes an amendment to the General Business Law concerning the sale and distribution of medetomidine, a sedative used for its hypnotic and analgesic effects, specifically approved for use in humans and dogs. The legislation aims to regulate the distribution of this drug by imposing strict requirements on businesses, including the necessity to verify the intended use of the drug for institutional, veterinary, or scientific purposes. The bill seeks to prevent unauthorized sale and misuse of medetomidine, particularly by ensuring it is not distributed to individuals without proper proof of intended usage.

Contention

The bill may likely stimulate discussion among stakeholders in the veterinary and healthcare fields regarding the implications of such regulations. While proponents argue that it is necessary for preventing misuse and protecting youth, some may contend that it could lead to challenges or logistical burdens for legitimate businesses that are required to implement these stricter purchasing protocols. The imposition of civil penalties for violations also raises questions about enforcement and the potential impact on the availability of medetomidine for genuine veterinary purposes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A01248

Prohibits the knowing sale, offer for sale, or delivery of xylazine to persons under the age of 21 and without proof of the intended use for institutional, veterinary, or scientific purposes.

NY S07668

Prohibits the knowing sale of xylazine above a certain weight to persons under the age of 21 and without proof of the intended use for institutional, veterinary, or scientific purposes.

NY HB2117

Modifying certain business filing and fee requirements for business trusts, foreign corporations and limited partnerships; authorizing professional corporations or limited liability companies formed or organized to render a professional service to participate in transactions under the business entity transactions act; and making certain information provided by registered agents a public record.

NY AB683

Business entities: limited liability companies.

NY A08006

Provides that the sale of a non-indemnity legal service plan shall not constitute doing an insurance business in this state; makes related provisions.

NY H8060

Protects individuals and businesses from those who knowingly impersonate an entity with the intent of facilitating fraud. This act would also protect individuals and businesses from digital forgery.

NY A1757

Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for businesses that employ formerly incarcerated individuals.

NY A09594

Establishes a small business content creator matching pilot program; provides that the division of small business shall establish a pilot program to match small businesses that are looking for support with marketing and advertisement with content creators who can use their social media platforms to bring attention to the small businesses they are matched with.

NY A06568

Requires mandatory background checks for persons employed by or volunteering at any business corporation, not-for-profit corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership that regularly provides instructional, recreational or extracurricular services to minors, including but not limited to dance studios, gymnastic schools, martial arts academies, sports training facilities, music schools and performing arts schools, tutoring and academic enrichment centers; provides for enforcement and penalties; prohibits certain people from owning such businesses.

NY S09625

Includes not-for-profit corporations and public television or radio corporations in the definition of business entity; allows such entities to claim the newspaper and broadcast media jobs tax credit.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.