HB 442 Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Kratom; Virginia Sate Crime Commission to conduct an analysis of enforcement and regulation, report.

Summary
Virginia State Crime Commission; kratom regulation and enforcement; report. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission (the Commission), in consultation with the Board of Pharmacy, to conduct an analysis of the enforcement and regulation of Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, throughout the United States. The bill provides that in conducting its analysis, the Commission shall determine (i) the status of kratom enforcement and regulation at the federal level; (ii) whether states regulate kratom through criminalization or consumer protection laws; (iii) the penalties, if any, associated with violations of state law related to kratom, including individual possession and retail sales; (iv) any other information it deems relevant to kratom enforcement and regulation in the Commonwealth; and (v) any recommendations for changes to existing laws related to the enforcement or regulation of kratom. Lastly, the bill requires the Commission to submit an executive summary and report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2026.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Feb 18, 2026
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What changed between versions

Introduced Rules Substitute · 2 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to expand its scope by adding 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a specific active compound found in kratom, to the analysis. This change ensures the Virginia State Crime Commission examines regulation of both the plant and its most potent alkaloid, providing a more comprehensive regulatory assessment.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include analysis of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) alongside kratom, making the regulatory review more thorough and specific to the substance's active components.
SCOPE

Added 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) to the list of substances the Commission must analyze, ensuring the study covers the specific active compound responsible for kratom's effects.

REQUIREMENT

Updated all references in the bill to include both kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in the Commission's analysis requirements, including federal status, state regulation methods, penalties, and recommendations.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Left in Committee Rules
lower
Jan 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (5-Y 0-N)
lower
Jan 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
House subcommittee offered
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Committee
Assigned HRUL sub: Studies Subcommittee
lower
Jan 12, 2026
Committee
Referred to Committee on Rules
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

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