H.R.920 - Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting Fentanyl Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.920, the Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting Fentanyl Act, aims to combat the fentanyl crisis by amending the Controlled Substances Act. The bill seeks to classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances, granting them the most restrictive classification under federal law. This would allow for stricter regulation and prosecution of those involved in the manufacturing and distribution of these substances.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase the penalties for trafficking fentanyl-related substances. By classifying these substances as Schedule I, law enforcement would have greater authority to pursue cases involving fentanyl. The bill also removes mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl-related substances, allowing judges more discretion in sentencing.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Overdoses: Stricter regulations could lead to a decrease in the availability of fentanyl-related substances, potentially reducing overdose deaths.
- Increased Prosecutions: Law enforcement would have more tools to prosecute individuals involved in the distribution of these substances.
- Deterrent Effect: The increased penalties could deter individuals from engaging in the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl-related substances.
- Public Health Improvement: By addressing the fentanyl crisis, the bill could improve overall public health and well-being.
- Resource Allocation: Could lead to increased resources to combat drug trafficking.
Potential Disadvantages
- Over-Criminalization: Broadly defining fentanyl-related substances could lead to the over-criminalization of individuals possessing or distributing substances with similar chemical structures but different effects.
- Strain on Resources: Increased prosecutions could strain law enforcement and judicial resources.
- Unintended Consequences: The removal of mandatory minimum sentences could lead to inconsistent sentencing across different jurisdictions.
- Black Market Shift: Could lead to a shift in the black market to other, potentially more dangerous, substances.
- Impact on Research: Could hinder research into the potential medical uses of fentanyl-related substances.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and ensuring domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes the regulation of controlled substances, under Article I, Section 8. The bill's potential impact on individual liberties and due process rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments would need to be carefully considered during implementation.
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).