HB6 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Holmes
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Controlled substances, relating to Schedule II, adding certain named chemical compounds of Tianeptine, Sec. 20-2-25 am'd.
Summary: HB 6 would add Tianeptine and related compounds to Alabama’s Schedule II controlled substances, making possession and distribution illegal and establishing criminal penalties, while also allowing for future prescription use if approved by the FDA.
What This Bill Does
It adds Tianeptine and its salts and preparations to Schedule II, making possession, distribution, and trafficking illegal. Violators could face criminal penalties for distribution. The bill notes that placing Tianeptine on Schedule II could enable medical prescription in the future if the FDA approves its use. It also includes an amendment-clause stating the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects
General public in Alabama who could be charged with possession, distribution or trafficking of Tianeptine compounds.
Healthcare providers and potential patients who might benefit from future prescription use if FDA approves Tianeptine.

Key Provisions
Adds Tianeptine and related compounds to Schedule II of the Alabama controlled substances list.
Makes possession, distribution, and trafficking unlawful with criminal penalties for distribution.
Specifies that placement on Schedule II could allow future prescription use if FDA approves; includes local-funding exemption under Amendment 621 due to creating a new crime.
Sets effective date as the first day of the third month after governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Controlled Substances