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Stop Fentanyl Now Act of 2023
2/5/2024, 2:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4272
The main goal of the Stop Fentanyl Now Act is to increase funding for law enforcement agencies and drug enforcement task forces to crack down on the production and distribution of fentanyl. This includes providing resources for increased surveillance, intelligence gathering, and interdiction efforts to prevent fentanyl from entering the country and being distributed within the US.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for increasing penalties for individuals caught trafficking fentanyl, as well as providing funding for drug treatment and prevention programs to help those struggling with addiction to fentanyl and other opioids. Overall, the Stop Fentanyl Now Act of 2023 aims to address the fentanyl crisis from multiple angles, including law enforcement, prevention, and treatment, in order to reduce the number of fentanyl-related deaths and protect communities from the devastating impact of this dangerous drug.
Congressional Summary of HR 4272
Stop Fentanyl Now Act of 2023
This bill establishes several programs and requirements to address the use of fentanyl and related substances.
For example, the bill expands the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program in the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include training and resources for teachers on how to carry and administer opioid overdose reversal drugs (e.g., naloxone). DOJ must also increase resources and establish an interagency task force for law enforcement agencies to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, fentanyl-related, and fentanyl-laced substances.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must develop a national strategy to prevent the use of these substances, award grants to state and localities for treatment programs for those who are addicted to these substances, and research the health effects of these substances.
The bill also increases criminal penalties for adulterating or misbranding drugs if the violation results in serious bodily injury or death (imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for violations that result in serious bodily injury, and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $5 million, or both for violations that result in death). Penalties are higher for violations that include the intent to defraud or mislead. The bill adds up to 5 years of additional imprisonment if the violation involves drugs that are promoted or sold online.
Furthermore, the bill exempts the possession, sale, or purchase of fentanyl drug testing equipment, including test strips, from criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.
