The legislature is staying busy as solons try to wrap up the short session.
• Tianeptine may soon disappear from convenience store counters and vape shops. The so-called gas station heroin mimics the euphoric effects of heroin and triggers hallucinations, confusion, sweating, rapid heartbeat, slowed or stopped breathing, and loss of consciousness. It’s sold as an attention-enhancement supplement that has become popular with teenagers, due to its lack of regulation.
Under a proposed new law, Tianeptine would become a Schedule II substance, defined as having high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychic or physical dependence. A state house bill has passed banning the substance, and a companion senate bill has potential as well.
Legislators reported being shocked by the large numbers of responses when the proposal was floated earlier this year. Parents across the state have spoken out overwhelmingly in favor of outlawing the chemical.
• Companion “Right to Try” bills HB 1029 and SB 871 are gaining ground in the General Assembly. The bills would allow patients with terminal or severely debilitating diseases, who have exhausted all other options, to partake in experimental treatments when recommended by a physician.
Large insurance carriers and some hospital groups have balked at the proposals. The legislation would allow experimental but not yet USDA approved treatments in some cases.
• Gov. Roy Cooper is urging legislators to replace the COVID-era daycare funding ending with the fiscal year. The state has received millions in federal funding through COVID-era programs that will sunset in the near future. Cooper said in a press release that the lack of funds will cause daycares across the state to shut down, and make daycare inaccessible for thousands of parents.
