H.R.27 - Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act; HALT Fentanyl Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.27, the HALT Fentanyl Act, aims to combat fentanyl trafficking by amending the Controlled Substances Act. It introduces class-wide scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, treating them as Schedule I drugs unless specifically exempted or listed elsewhere. The bill also streamlines research registration processes for Schedule I controlled substances, particularly for research funded by or conducted within federal agencies.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to stricter enforcement against fentanyl-related substances, potentially reducing their availability. Simultaneously, it aims to facilitate research on these substances by easing registration requirements for researchers, which could lead to the development of countermeasures or treatments for fentanyl overdose and addiction.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced availability of fentanyl-related substances: Class scheduling makes it easier to prosecute trafficking.
- Increased research on fentanyl: Streamlined registration encourages scientific study.
- Development of countermeasures: Research may lead to treatments for overdose and addiction.
- Improved public safety: Reduced drug availability and effective treatments contribute to safer communities.
- More efficient use of resources: Streamlined research processes save time and money.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for over-criminalization: Broad scheduling may inadvertently target legitimate substances.
- Increased burden on law enforcement: Enforcement of new regulations requires resources.
- Possible chilling effect on research: Despite streamlining, some researchers may still face hurdles.
- Unintended consequences: Changes to drug scheduling can have unforeseen impacts on communities.
- Limited impact on supply: Focus on domestic enforcement may not address international sources.
Constitutional Alignment
The HALT Fentanyl Act primarily aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating the interstate and international trafficking of controlled substances. It also implicitly relates to the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18), granting Congress the power to enact laws necessary for executing its powers, such as regulating drugs that affect interstate commerce. The Act's provisions regarding research could be viewed as promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble.
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).