HALT Fentanyl Act

This bill makes all fentanyl-like drugs illegal under the strictest federal category (Schedule I), which is for substances with a high risk of abuse and no accepted medical use. Crimes involving these drugs use the same weight limits and penalties as fentanyl analogues; for example, 100 grams can bring a minimum 10 years in prison. It also says drugs that are chemically similar to fentanyl are covered unless already listed in another schedule, and lets the Attorney General publish a list to help identify them; even if a drug isn’t on the list, it still counts if it fits the definition.

The bill also speeds up approved research on Schedule I substances. For certain studies backed by federal agencies or under FDA rules, scientists who already hold a Schedule I or II registration can begin 30 days after notifying the government; new applicants must get a decision within 45 days . Labs can use one registration for multiple nearby sites, skip a new inspection when adding a similar drug, and make small amounts for studies without a separate manufacturing license (but they cannot grow marijuana) . If a drug is newly added to Schedule I, ongoing registered research can keep going while paperwork is processed, as long as an application is filed within 90 days; the DEA must also post any special research procedures for particular drugs on its website .

• Who is affected:

  • People who make, sell, or import fentanyl-like drugs, who will face Schedule I penalties and thresholds like fentanyl analogues.
  • Scientists and research institutions working with Schedule I substances, including studies backed by HHS, DOD, or VA, or under FDA rules.

• What changes:

  • Fentanyl-like drugs are placed in Schedule I with penalties aligned to fentanyl analogues (100 grams = 10-year minimum).
  • Research rules are simpler and faster: 30- and 45-day timelines, one registration for nearby sites, no new inspection when adding similar drugs, limited small-scale manufacturing allowed for studies, continued research after new scheduling, and public posting of any special procedures .

• When:

  • Applies immediately once it becomes law; the Attorney General must issue rules within 6 months .