MS HB242

Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Narcotics to request that the Governor issue an executive order for emergency temporary scheduling of drugs in Schedule I when necessary to avoid imminent hazard to public safety.

Excludes FDA-approved prescription drugs and nonnarcotic drugs available over-the-counter from emergency scheduling provisions.

Emergency scheduling orders issued by executive order are valid for no more than 12 months from the date of issuance.

Requires the Director to seek written recommendation from the State Board of Health before recommending emergency scheduling to the Governor, considering factors including abuse potential, pharmacological effects, abuse patterns, and public health risks.

Any emergency scheduling orders must be presented to the Legislature during the next regular or extraordinary legislative session for legislative action; orders expire if the Legislature does not enact scheduling during that session.