This bill would treat anyone found to have trafficked fentanyl as if they tried to commit murder. It says those people would face the same penalties used for murder under federal law. The bill also defines “trafficked fentanyl” very broadly, covering making, selling, moving, or financing fentanyl or its key chemicals, plus attempts and help given to others. It also covers actions done outside the United States if the fentanyl was meant to be sent into the U.S.

Key points

• Who is affected: People who make, distribute, sell, finance, transport, or try to do these things with fentanyl; anyone who helps or conspires; and those handling precursor chemicals or active ingredients with intent to send fentanyl into the U.S.
• What changes: These acts would be deemed attempted murder and punished with the same penalties used for murder under federal law.
• When: This would take effect if and when the bill becomes law, by amending the federal murder statute.