Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act
Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act
Plain Language Summary
# Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act - Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would make permanent the federal government's classification of fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled drugs. Currently, these substances are only temporarily classified as Schedule I under an order from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that expires on March 31, 2025. Schedule I is the most restrictive classification, meaning these drugs are considered to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use.
The bill would ensure this classification continues indefinitely rather than expiring. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects people involved in drug manufacturing and trafficking, law enforcement agencies, and individuals who may use fentanyl-related substances. It would also impact medical and research communities working with these substances. The bill responds to the ongoing fentanyl overdose crisis, as fentanyl and its chemical variations are major contributors to overdose deaths in the United States. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues ActThis bill permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.Fentanyl-related substances are currently regulated under schedule I through a temporary order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The temporary order expires on March 31, 2025.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.