A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to modify the offenses relating to fentanyl, and for other purposes.
2/12/2025, 11:56 AMSummary of Bill S 477
Bill 119 s 477, also known as the Fentanyl Enforcement Act, aims to make changes to the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act in order to address the growing issue of fentanyl-related offenses. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than other opioids like heroin and morphine, and has been linked to a rising number of overdose deaths in the United States.The bill seeks to modify the offenses related to fentanyl in order to crack down on the illegal production, distribution, and trafficking of this dangerous drug. Specifically, it includes provisions that would increase penalties for individuals involved in fentanyl-related crimes, such as manufacturing, distributing, or possessing the drug with the intent to distribute.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to enhance law enforcement efforts to combat the illicit fentanyl trade, such as providing resources for training and equipment to detect and intercept fentanyl shipments. It also aims to improve data collection and reporting on fentanyl-related incidents in order to better understand the scope of the problem and develop more effective strategies for addressing it. Overall, the Fentanyl Enforcement Act is designed to strengthen the government's response to the fentanyl crisis and prevent further harm to individuals and communities affected by this deadly drug.
Congressional Summary of S 477
Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025
This bill modifies the drug quantity thresholds that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for a defendant who manufactures, distributes, imports, exports, or possesses with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Specifically, the bill reduces from 400 to 20 grams the fentanyl quantity and from 100 to 5 grams the fentanyl analogue quantity that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for high-level first-time or repeat offenders. It also reduces from 40 to 2 grams the fentanyl quantity and from 10 to 0.5 grams the fentanyl analogue quantity that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for low-level first-time or repeat offenders.
Additionally, the bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to increase the availability of chemical screening devices and dedicate the appropriate number of personnel to interdict fentanyl and other substances that are unlawfully imported into the United States.
