DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024

12/17/2024, 1:47 PM

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 s 4419, 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 issue of fentanyl and xylazine in the United States. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is responsible for a significant portion of overdose deaths in the country, while xylazine is a veterinary drug that is often mixed with fentanyl to increase its potency.

The bill proposes several measures to combat the spread of these dangerous substances. One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to help law enforcement agencies and first responders acquire and utilize advanced detection technology to identify fentanyl and xylazine in the field. This technology is crucial in preventing accidental exposure to these substances and in prosecuting those who manufacture and distribute them.

Additionally, the bill calls for increased penalties for individuals caught trafficking fentanyl and xylazine, as well as for those who knowingly sell or distribute these substances to individuals who are unaware of their presence. This is intended to deter individuals from engaging in the illicit trade of these dangerous drugs and to hold accountable those who profit from their sale. Overall, the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at addressing the growing threat of fentanyl and xylazine in the United States. By providing law enforcement agencies with the tools and resources they need to combat the spread of these substances, as well as by increasing penalties for those who traffic in them, the bill seeks to protect the public from the devastating effects of these dangerous drugs.
Congress
118
Number
S - 4419
Introduced on
2024-05-23
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/23/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

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 s 4419, 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 issue of fentanyl and xylazine in the United States. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is responsible for a significant portion of overdose deaths in the country, while xylazine is a veterinary drug that is often mixed with fentanyl to increase its potency.

The bill proposes several measures to combat the spread of these dangerous substances. One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to help law enforcement agencies and first responders acquire and utilize advanced detection technology to identify fentanyl and xylazine in the field. This technology is crucial in preventing accidental exposure to these substances and in prosecuting those who manufacture and distribute them.

Additionally, the bill calls for increased penalties for individuals caught trafficking fentanyl and xylazine, as well as for those who knowingly sell or distribute these substances to individuals who are unaware of their presence. This is intended to deter individuals from engaging in the illicit trade of these dangerous drugs and to hold accountable those who profit from their sale. Overall, the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at addressing the growing threat of fentanyl and xylazine in the United States. By providing law enforcement agencies with the tools and resources they need to combat the spread of these substances, as well as by increasing penalties for those who traffic in them, the bill seeks to protect the public from the devastating effects of these dangerous drugs.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to 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
AB
Azaria Byers
@fingerroot_jackfruit_redcurrant15604
This bill is just another way for the government to control us. Who benefits from this crap anyway?

Related

Committee:  Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Bill Update Alert:  DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/11/2024

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 Action12/2/2024
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 654.