The committee unanimously approved HB 1587, the annual measure to add newly scheduled federal controlled substances to Virginia's state schedules, by a recorded vote of 22 to 0. The sponsor described the federal scheduling process and said Virginia typically follows the DEA's scheduling decisions but must adopt them into state code to make changes permanent.

The patron explained that the DEA classifies new substances into schedules based on abuse potential and legitimate medical purpose and that Virginia maintains consistency by adopting those federal designations. The sponsor said this is the 22nd year he has voted on similar legislation.

No witnesses registered opposition during the hearing and the clerk recorded the committee vote as 22-0 in favor of reporting the bill.