Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act
Summary
The "Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act" aims to combat the illegal production of counterfeit pills by amending the Controlled Substances Act. It mandates that regulated persons identify tableting and encapsulating machines, as well as critical parts, with serial numbers. This will allow for better tracking and regulation of these machines.
The bill defines 'regulated person' to include those who manufacture, distribute, or trade in these machines or their critical parts. It also defines critical parts such as upper and lower punches and dies.
The Act requires the Attorney General to issue regulations for serial number identification and reporting, including guidance for machines manufactured before the Act's enactment.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to increase the accountability of those involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of tableting and encapsulating machines. This increased accountability should make it more difficult for criminals to obtain and use these machines to produce illicit drugs.
It will also require manufacturers and distributors to implement new tracking and reporting procedures, which may increase their operational costs. The Attorney General's regulations will determine the specific requirements and timelines for compliance.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Illicit Drug Production: By tracking pill presses, the bill aims to curb the production of counterfeit and dangerous drugs.
- Improved Law Enforcement: Serial number tracking will assist law enforcement in identifying and prosecuting those involved in illegal drug manufacturing.
- Enhanced Public Safety: Reducing the availability of illicit pills will protect the public from potential harm and overdose.
- Increased Accountability: The bill holds manufacturers and distributors of pill presses accountable for preventing their misuse.
- Clearer Regulatory Framework: The Attorney General's regulations will provide clear guidance on compliance, reducing ambiguity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs for Businesses: Manufacturers and distributors may face increased costs associated with implementing serial number tracking and reporting systems.
- Potential for Bureaucracy: The new regulations could create bureaucratic hurdles for legitimate businesses.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses solely on pill presses and may not address other methods of illicit drug production.
- Enforcement Challenges: Effective enforcement will depend on the resources and capabilities of law enforcement agencies.
- Potential for Circumvention: Criminals may attempt to circumvent the regulations by altering or removing serial numbers.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and ensuring domestic tranquility. Specifically, it falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to regulate commerce and enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. The regulation of pill presses does not infringe upon freedom of speech, religion, or the right to bear arms.
However, the implementation of the law must adhere to due process requirements to ensure fairness and prevent arbitrary enforcement, aligning with the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
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).