S.331 - Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act; HALT Fentanyl Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The HALT Fentanyl Act aims to combat the fentanyl crisis by amending the Controlled Substances Act. It introduces class-wide scheduling for fentanyl-related substances, treating them as Schedule I drugs. The bill also streamlines the research process for Schedule I substances, particularly fentanyl, by creating alternative registration pathways and reducing administrative burdens.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to stricter penalties for trafficking fentanyl-related substances, potentially deterring illegal activities. It could also accelerate research into fentanyl's effects and potential treatments for addiction and overdose. The expedited research process may encourage more scientists and institutions to study fentanyl, leading to breakthroughs in addressing the opioid crisis.
Potential Benefits
- Stricter penalties may deter fentanyl trafficking, reducing its availability.
- Expedited research could lead to new treatments for fentanyl addiction and overdose.
- Class-wide scheduling simplifies enforcement by covering a broader range of fentanyl analogs.
- Streamlined research registration encourages more scientific investigation into fentanyl.
- Increased transparency in research procedures ensures accountability.
Potential Disadvantages
- Broad scheduling could inadvertently criminalize legitimate research compounds.
- Stricter penalties may disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
- Expedited research pathways could potentially bypass necessary safety protocols.
- Increased law enforcement focus on fentanyl may strain resources.
- The definition of 'fentanyl-related substance' may be overly broad, leading to unintended consequences.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The HALT Fentanyl Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and ensuring domestic tranquility. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes controlling the production and distribution of controlled substances. The Act's provisions related to research could be seen as promoting scientific advancement, indirectly contributing to the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).