Stricter Penalties for Fentanyl Variants and Expedited Research on Schedule I Drugs.
This law immediately classifies a broad range of chemical variations of fentanyl as illegal Schedule I controlled substances, imposing severe penalties on those involved in their manufacturing and distribution. Simultaneously, it introduces expedited registration procedures for researchers conducting studies on these substances, particularly those involved in government-funded or FDA-approved projects. The goal is to curb lethal drug trafficking while accelerating research into solutions for the opioid crisis.
Key points
All structurally related fentanyl substances are automatically placed into the most restrictive Schedule I, leading to the highest penalties for possession and trafficking.
Simplified and expedited registration processes are established for researchers conducting studies on Schedule I substances (e.g., projects funded by the Department of Health or Department of Defense).
Increased penalties for the importation and distribution of fentanyl derivatives aim to combat the trafficking of deadly synthetic opioids.
2025-06-12
For
321
Against
104
Abstain
0
Full voting results
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Became Law
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_331
Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Process start date: 2025-01-30
Voting date: 2025-06-12
Meeting no: 1
Voting no: 166