DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024

12/24/2024, 9:05 AM

Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 or the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024

This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate to take certain actions to support the detection of drugs such as fentanyl and xylazine.

Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the directorate's research and development efforts to improve drug detection equipment and reference libraries for law enforcement agencies, including with respect to portable equipment, equipment that can analyze complex samples, and technology that uses artificial intelligence or other techniques to detect new substances. The bill additionally requires the directorate to follow certain standards and rely on certain information from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Drug Enforcement Administration, respectively, regarding these efforts.

Bill 118 hr 8663, also known as the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the growing concerns surrounding the use and distribution of fentanyl and xylazine in the United States.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than other opioids, such as heroin and morphine. It has been linked to a sharp increase in overdose deaths in recent years, leading to a public health crisis. Xylazine, on the other hand, is a veterinary sedative that has been increasingly used as a cutting agent in illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 seeks to combat the spread of these dangerous substances by implementing a series of measures. These measures include increasing funding for law enforcement agencies to detect and intercept shipments of fentanyl and xylazine, enhancing penalties for individuals involved in the trafficking of these substances, and providing resources for addiction treatment and prevention programs. Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a national database to track the distribution of fentanyl and xylazine, as well as the creation of a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of these substances. Overall, the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 aims to address the growing threat posed by fentanyl and xylazine in the United States through a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement efforts, prevention initiatives, and treatment resources.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 8663
Introduced on
2024-06-07
# Amendments
2
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/10/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President

Purpose and Summary

Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 or the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024

This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate to take certain actions to support the detection of drugs such as fentanyl and xylazine.

Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the directorate's research and development efforts to improve drug detection equipment and reference libraries for law enforcement agencies, including with respect to portable equipment, equipment that can analyze complex samples, and technology that uses artificial intelligence or other techniques to detect new substances. The bill additionally requires the directorate to follow certain standards and rely on certain information from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Drug Enforcement Administration, respectively, regarding these efforts.

Bill 118 hr 8663, also known as the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the growing concerns surrounding the use and distribution of fentanyl and xylazine in the United States.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than other opioids, such as heroin and morphine. It has been linked to a sharp increase in overdose deaths in recent years, leading to a public health crisis. Xylazine, on the other hand, is a veterinary sedative that has been increasingly used as a cutting agent in illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 seeks to combat the spread of these dangerous substances by implementing a series of measures. These measures include increasing funding for law enforcement agencies to detect and intercept shipments of fentanyl and xylazine, enhancing penalties for individuals involved in the trafficking of these substances, and providing resources for addiction treatment and prevention programs. Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a national database to track the distribution of fentanyl and xylazine, as well as the creation of a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of these substances. Overall, the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 aims to address the growing threat posed by fentanyl and xylazine in the United States through a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement efforts, prevention initiatives, and treatment resources.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require the Science and Technology Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security to develop greater capacity to detect, identify, and disrupt illicit substances in very low concentrations.
Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications
Potential Impact
Advanced technology and technological innovations•
Computers and information technology•
Drug trafficking and controlled substances•
Libraries and archives•
Research and development

Comments

APPROVED
OS
Owen Stout
@endive_pain_au_levain_rye25515
I don't get why this bill is even a thing. How does it impact regular folks like me? Who is really affected by this?
APPROVED
DT
Destiny Townsend
@vanilla_lentils_tormore15000
I can't believe this bill is gonna make things even more complicated for me. I don't see how this is gonna help anyone in the long run. It's just gonna cause more problems for people like me.
APPROVED
MS
Malik Shea
@dalwhinnie_kohlrabi_lima_bean69296
Can you believe this new bill? It's like they're trying to control every little thing we do. How is this gonna help anyone? What's the real agenda behind it all? #politics #HRBill8663 #questioning

Related

Member:  Nick LaLota
Amendment Update Alert:  118 samdt 3329 - In the nature of a substitute.
Amendment Update Alert:  118 samdt 3330 - To amend the title.
Bill Update Alert:  DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024
Vote Totals:  118 2nd 514 - On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Concur in the Senate Amendments
Committee:  Homeland Security
Committee:  Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/30/2024

Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 or the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024

This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Homeland S...

Latest Action12/23/2024
Presented to President.