A new bill filed by Sen. Lazzara seeks to update the Controlled Substances Act by regulating additional synthetic drugs and chemical structures with abuse potential, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 450 on March 24 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Novel Opioid Control Act of 2025.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill updates the Controlled Substances Act by adding new synthetic opioids, fentanyl derivatives, nitazene derivatives, and synthetic cannabinoids to the list of controlled substances. It specifies various chemical structures that qualify these substances for regulation under the act, focusing on their potential for abuse and misuse. Additionally, the bill amends specific sections to redefine certain drugs and chemicals, including fentanyl precursors, to align with current scientific understanding and ensure comprehensive control. This act is set to take effect on Aug. 1, 2025, impacting offenses committed on or after this date.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Lazzara proposed the most bills (26) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael A. Lazzara, Tom McInnis, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 450 | 03/24/2025 | Novel Opioid Control Act of 2025. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 391 | 03/24/2025 | DOT Omnibus. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Brent Jackson, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 401 | 03/24/2025 | NC Farm Act of 2025. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Lisa S. Barnes, and Todd Johnson | SB 368 | 03/20/2025 | Office of State Fire Marshal Omnibus Bill.-AB |
| Michael A. Lazzara and Lisa S. Barnes | SB 374 | 03/20/2025 | Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Dana Jones | SB 346 | 03/19/2025 | Good Samaritan Law/Immunity. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Brad Overcash, and Danny Earl Britt, Jr. | SB 321 | 03/18/2025 | Accounting Workforce Development Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Dana Jones | SB 328 | 03/18/2025 | Underground Safety Revisions. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Amy S. Galey, and Warren Daniel | SB 309 | 03/17/2025 | Changes to Estates and Trusts Statutes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Brent Jackson, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 295 | 03/13/2025 | Clarify Motor Vehicle Dealer Laws. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Danny Earl Britt, Jr., and Todd Johnson | SB 265 | 03/11/2025 | Protecting Our Community Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Todd Johnson, and Warren Daniel | SB 248 | 03/06/2025 | Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bob Brinson, and Buck Newton | SB 245 | 03/05/2025 | The Rakim Shackleford Embalming Fluid Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Lisa S. Barnes, and Todd Johnson | SB 226 | 03/03/2025 | Align Benefits for Firefighters with Cancer. |
| Michael A. Lazzara and Brent Jackson | SB 183 | 02/26/2025 | Funds for VSO in Jones County. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 188 | 02/26/2025 | Financial Support to NC4ME. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 172 | 02/25/2025 | STIP Grant Anticipation Notes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Todd Johnson | SB 128 | 02/21/2025 | Heroes Homestead Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Vickie Sawyer, and Warren Daniel | SB 118 | 02/18/2025 | Reduce Veteran CCW Fee/Expand CCW Notice. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 106 | 02/17/2025 | Funds/Onslow Water and Sewer Authority. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Michael V. Lee | SB 109 | 02/17/2025 | Veterans Appreciation Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 113 | 02/17/2025 | Removal of Squatters from Private Property. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 71 | 02/11/2025 | Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 73 | 02/11/2025 | Richlands Occupancy Tax Authorization. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 63 | 02/06/2025 | Board of Motor Vehicles/Authority Study. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 29 | 01/30/2025 | Onslow – Delegate Rezoning Authority. |
