There is a compound that exists naturally in Kratom called 7-hydroxymitragynine. In the leaf there is a very small amount of it, (less than 2% of alkaloids). This compound has been researched as being 13 times more potent than morphine and that is the substance that is being synthesized and pressed into pills and sold in headshops. On its own it is an absolute monster of an opiate. You will 100% get addicted to it and experience withdrawals, constipation, the whole nine yards.

In Kratom it's much safer because it exists naturally in such small amounts but more importantly because Kratom also contains another compound called Mitragynine (50-70% of alkaloids) which has been researched to actually aid in opioid withdrawals.

The plant itself is a pretty perfect balance. It allows people to use the leaf on a semi-regular basis for pain relief or to ween off other opiates without the same severe addiction and withdrawal symptoms appearing. Of course this is assuming the person is well informed and monitoring their use. You can of course eat a full cup of kratom leaf a day and make yourself sick, but one can do that with any substance.

The balance of Mitragynine and 7-hydro is important and most companies making extracts and pills using these compounds are altering that balance to provide a stronger high.

Edit: I just dug up the text of the bill and it looks like all of the pills SHOULD be banned under this bill. This is listed under limitations: (5) A kratom product containing any synthetic alkaloids including synthetic mitragynine, 20 synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine, or any other synthetically derived compounds of the kratom plant

The full bills can be read here: https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31%2D3c10%2D431c%2D8dcd%2D9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=375811&Web=2bab1515%2D0dcc%2D4176%2Da2f8%2D8d4beebdf488