Bills · HR 27
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 27Licensing and registrationsResearch administration and funding
HALT Fentanyl Act
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION FEB 10
READING
17MIN
COSPONSORS
61
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses the ongoing fentanyl crisis, which is a major contributor to overdose deaths in the United States. By permanently classifying all fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I, it aims to give law enforcement more consistent tools to combat the trafficking of these deadly drugs, regardless of minor chemical alterations made by illicit manufacturers. If this bill becomes law, it could help prevent new fentanyl analogs from entering the market unchecked, potentially saving lives by disrupting the supply chain.
At the same time, the bill tries to strike a balance by making it easier for vital medical and scientific research to occur. Historically, the strict regulations around Schedule I substances have made research difficult and slow, even for legitimate studies. By accelerating the research approval process for specific, important studies, the bill acknowledges the need to better understand these substances for developing treatments or other public health interventions, which could also ultimately help combat the crisis.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Automatically places all fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
This ensures a consistent legal framework for prosecuting traffickers of new fentanyl variations without needing repeated legislative action.
PROVISION 02
Broadly defines 'fentanyl-related substance' to include many chemical modifications.
This aims to prevent drug manufacturers from evading federal law by making minor chemical changes to fentanyl's structure.
PROVISION 03
Establishes an expedited registration process for certain Schedule I research.
This could accelerate critical scientific and medical research into highly restricted substances like fentanyl, potentially leading to new treatments.
PROVISION 04
Allows researchers already registered for Schedule I/II research to begin approved Schedule I studies 30 days after notification to the Attorney General.
This significantly reduces administrative delays for experienced researchers, potentially speeding up drug development and understanding.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 61
R· Virginia
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
37
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 6%
DEM 2 REP 59 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
16 EVENTSFEB 10
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
FEB 6
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 93. (consideration: CR H520-533)
FEB 6
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 27 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit allowed. The resolution makes in order only the further amendment printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report.
FEB 6
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 27.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 27
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Last actionFeb 10, 2025
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025
House BillHR 27Licensing and registrationsResearch administration and funding
HALT Fentanyl Act
INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
17 min
COSPONSORS
61
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
