Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (H.R. 27)

What is the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (H.R. 27)?

The “Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act” (HALT Fentanyl Act) is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the escalating crisis of fentanyl-related substance abuse in the United States. The bill seeks to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Key Provisions:

  1. Permanent Schedule I Classification:
    • Scope: The bill categorizes all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I, indicating they have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification subjects these substances to stringent regulatory controls and penalties.
    • Exclusions: FDA-approved fentanyl products for legitimate medical use remain classified as Schedule II and are not affected by this legislation. Senate Judiciary Committee
  2. Alignment of Penalties:
    • Quantity Thresholds: Offenses involving fentanyl-related substances will adhere to the same quantity thresholds as those for fentanyl analogues. For instance, possessing 100 grams or more triggers a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years.
    • Legal Consistency: This provision aims to standardize penalties across all fentanyl-related offenses, ensuring uniformity in legal repercussions.
  3. Facilitation of Research:
    • Alternative Registration Process: The bill introduces a streamlined registration process for researchers conducting studies on Schedule I substances, particularly those funded by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Veterans Affairs, or those under an investigational new drug exemption from the FDA.
    • Regulatory Adjustments: Modifications include allowing a single registration for multiple related research sites, waiving new inspection requirements in specific scenarios, and permitting registered researchers to perform limited manufacturing activities without obtaining separate manufacturing registrations.
  4. Judicial Interpretation Affirmation:
    • United States v. McCray (2018): The bill expresses Congressional agreement with the interpretation from this case, where the court determined that butyryl fentanyl, a controlled substance, could be considered an analogue of fentanyl, despite the CSA’s definition excluding controlled substances from being labeled as analogues.

Context and Implications:

  • Legislative Background: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initially placed fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I temporarily in 2018. This temporary scheduling has been extended multiple times, with the current extension set to expire on March 31, 2025. The HALT Fentanyl Act seeks to make this classification permanent. Senate Judiciary Committee
  • Public Health Impact: Fentanyl and its analogues have significantly contributed to the opioid overdose crisis in the U.S., with synthetic opioids accounting for a substantial number of overdose deaths annually. Proponents argue that permanent Schedule I classification will equip law enforcement with necessary tools to combat trafficking and misuse. Critics, however, express concerns that such measures may hinder medical research and lead to over-criminalization without effectively addressing the root causes of addiction. The Sentencing Project

The HALT Fentanyl Act has passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support and is awaiting consideration in the Senate. Senate Judiciary Committee

What are the Pros of H.R.27?

Pros:

  1. Enhanced Law Enforcement and Public Safety:
    • By permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I, the bill gives law enforcement agencies stronger tools to combat the trafficking and distribution of these highly potent and dangerous drugs.
    • It aligns penalties for fentanyl-related offenses with those for fentanyl analogues, ensuring consistency in legal repercussions and potentially deterring criminal activity.
  2. Addressing the Opioid Crisis:
    • The bill aims to address the growing fentanyl epidemic in the U.S., which has been a major contributor to opioid overdose deaths.
    • Supporters argue that stricter regulations and harsher penalties will help curb the supply of fentanyl-related substances, reducing overdose rates and saving lives.
  3. Legal Clarity and Consistency:
    • By standardizing the classification of all fentanyl-related substances, the bill removes legal ambiguities and ensures consistent enforcement across all states.
    • It simplifies prosecution efforts by eliminating loopholes used by drug manufacturers to slightly alter chemical compounds to evade legal consequences.
  4. Facilitation of Research:
    • The bill introduces a streamlined registration process for Schedule I research, encouraging scientific studies on fentanyl-related substances.
    • This could enhance understanding of the substances’ pharmacological effects, potential medical uses, and development of antidotes or treatment options for overdoses.
  5. Public Health and Safety Protections:
    • The bill is designed to protect communities from exposure to dangerous fentanyl-related substances, which are often mixed with other drugs, leading to unintentional overdoses.
    • It supports ongoing public health initiatives by targeting the supply chain of illicit fentanyl.

How does this affect Ventura County?

Positive Impacts:

  1. Reduction in Fentanyl-Related Overdoses:
    • Ventura County has experienced a rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and fatalities, reflecting a nationwide trend. By permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I, the bill could help curb the availability of these dangerous drugs in the community.
    • Stricter penalties and enforcement could act as a deterrent, reducing trafficking and distribution within Ventura County.
  2. Enhanced Public Safety and Law Enforcement:
    • Local law enforcement agencies in Ventura County would have stronger legal tools to combat fentanyl trafficking, ensuring consistency in penalties for fentanyl-related offenses.
    • By standardizing the classification and penalties for all fentanyl analogues, the bill simplifies prosecution efforts, reducing legal ambiguities and enhancing law enforcement effectiveness.
  3. Community Protection and Awareness:
    • The bill could support ongoing public health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and preventing accidental overdoses.
    • Ventura County’s community organizations and public health departments could leverage the legislation to enhance prevention and education programs targeting vulnerable populations, including teenagers and young adults.
  4. Facilitation of Local Research and Medical Advancements:
    • Ventura County is home to research institutions and medical facilities that could benefit from the streamlined registration process for Schedule I research.
    • The bill encourages scientific studies on fentanyl-related substances, potentially leading to breakthroughs in addiction treatment and overdose prevention.

How did Representative Julia Brownley Vote?

Representative Julia Brownley voted Nay on H.R. 27, the “Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act” (HALT Fentanyl Act), during the House vote on February 6, 2025. BillTrack50

How would Jonathan Wagoner have Voted?

Jonathan Wagoner would have voted YEA on the “HALT Fentanyl Act” because:

  1. Protecting Ventura County from the Opioid Epidemic:
    • Ventura County is experiencing a growing opioid epidemic, with fentanyl-related substances contributing to a devastating increase in overdose deaths. Jonathan believes urgent action is needed to address this crisis and protect the community.
    • Having personally known someone affected by fentanyl, Jonathan understands the devastating impact it has on families and neighborhoods. Like many residents of Ventura County, he feels a personal responsibility to do everything possible to get fentanyl off the streets.
  2. Saving Lives and Ensuring Public Safety:
    • Jonathan prioritizes saving lives and protecting public safety above all else. By permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I, the bill provides law enforcement with stronger tools to combat trafficking and distribution.
    • He believes the strict penalties and consistent enforcement will act as a deterrent, reducing the supply of fentanyl in Ventura County and preventing future tragedies.
  3. Fighting for Families and Communities:
    • Jonathan is committed to fighting for Ventura County’s families and communities who are being torn apart by the opioid epidemic. He sees the HALT Fentanyl Act as a necessary step to protect vulnerable populations, especially teenagers and young adults at risk of accidental overdose.
    • He understands the pain and loss that fentanyl has brought to countless families and is determined to do whatever it takes to prevent more lives from being lost.
  4. Addressing the Crisis at Its Source:
    • By aligning penalties for fentanyl-related substances with those for fentanyl analogues, the bill closes legal loopholes that traffickers exploit to avoid prosecution.
    • Jonathan supports this consistent legal approach, believing that it will make Ventura County safer by targeting the source of the problem—traffickers and suppliers.
  5. Public Health and Community Awareness:
    • Jonathan recognizes the importance of community education and public health initiatives. He supports the bill’s alignment with ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and prevent unintentional overdoses.
    • He believes the bill complements local prevention and recovery programs, helping Ventura County fight the opioid epidemic on multiple fronts.

Jonathan Wagoner would have voted YEA on the “HALT Fentanyl Act” because he believes that the safety and well-being of Ventura County residents outweigh any potential cons. Having seen the impact of fentanyl firsthand, Jonathan is committed to taking decisive action to protect his community, save lives, and ensure a safer future for all families in Ventura County.

How Would You Have Voted?

Every vote shapes the future of our community and our country. Whether it’s about public safety, education, healthcare, or economic growth, each decision impacts our lives in meaningful ways. How would you have voted? Your voice matters—let’s start the conversation!

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