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 the trafficking of fentanyl-related substances by amending the Controlled Substances Act. It introduces class-wide scheduling for fentanyl-related substances, treating them as Schedule I drugs unless specifically exempted or listed elsewhere. The bill also streamlines the research registration process for Schedule I controlled substances, particularly for research funded by or conducted by specific government agencies.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to stricter penalties for trafficking fentanyl-related substances, potentially deterring illegal activities. Simultaneously, it would facilitate research on these substances by easing registration requirements, which could lead to the development of countermeasures or treatments for fentanyl overdose. The expedited research process may also encourage innovation in addressing the opioid crisis.
Potential Benefits
- Stricter penalties may deter fentanyl trafficking, reducing overdose deaths.
- Streamlined research process could accelerate the development of treatments for fentanyl addiction and overdose.
- Expedited research registration for government-backed projects could lead to faster public health interventions.
- Class-wide scheduling simplifies law enforcement efforts by covering a broader range of fentanyl analogs.
- Increased transparency regarding research procedures ensures accountability and public awareness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Broad scheduling could inadvertently affect legitimate research or industrial uses of fentanyl-related substances.
- Expedited research registration might bypass some safety checks, potentially increasing risks.
- Increased penalties could disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
- The definition of 'fentanyl-related substance' may be overly broad, leading to unintended consequences.
- Rulemaking by the Attorney General could be subject to political influence, affecting the implementation of the Act.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The HALT Fentanyl Act primarily aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) by regulating the interstate and international trafficking of controlled substances. It also relates to the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) as it enacts laws deemed necessary to enforce existing drug laws. The Act's potential impact on individual liberties through increased penalties and broad scheduling requires careful consideration to ensure compliance with the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments regarding due process and equal protection.
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).