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AB-1103 • 2026

Controlled substances: research.

Controlled substances: research.

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Ward
Last action
Official status
Chaptered
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official summary states the panel can expedite review for projects that have 'sought or received' federal approvals, which is slightly broader than just having them.

Changes to Rules for Research on Controlled Substances

This law requires the state panel to review research projects using Schedule I or II drugs in California and extends rules allowing private meetings for that review until January 1, 2028.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the Research Advisory Panel to review all research projects conducted in this state that involve administering Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances.
  • Allows the panel to speed up reviews until January 1, 2028, for projects with federal approvals and proof of independent peer review.
  • Lets the panel chair assign two or more members to approve a project without needing a vote from the whole group.
  • Gives the panel power to remove approval for reasonable cause but requires giving researchers notice and time to fix problems first.
  • Extends permission for closed meetings until January 1, 2028, so sensitive information like trade secrets stays private.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Research Advisory Panel
  • Researchers conducting studies with Schedule I or II drugs in California

Terms To Know

Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances
Drugs that have the strictest legal limits on their use under state law.
Research Advisory Panel
A state group created to study and approve research projects involving controlled substances.
Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act
The law that usually requires government meetings to be open for the public to attend.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The expedited review and closed meeting rules only last until January 1, 2028.
  • Researchers must still follow federal laws before they can get state approval.
  • The law does not list the specific criteria for what counts as a 'reasonable cause' to withdraw approval.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Chaptered

Official Summary Text

Controlled substances: research.