Senate Bill No. 444 amends Section 2-315 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding the disposal of controlled dangerous substances. The bill modifies the language to require that these substances be disposed of in accordance with federal regulations, specifically 21 C.F.R., Part 1317, rather than submitted for destruction to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. It removes previous limitations on the disposal process and allows ultimate users to submit their own drugs for disposal under certain conditions. Additionally, it permits the disposal of prescribed drugs belonging to deceased individuals and authorizes qualified hospice programs to handle such substances, provided they follow specific procedures and complete required documentation.

The bill also introduces new definitions and clarifies the responsibilities of various parties involved in the disposal process. It mandates that any disposal of controlled substances must be documented, including the destruction method and the supervising individual’s details. The effective date for this legislation is set for November 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the disposal process while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and enhancing the safety and accountability of handling controlled substances.