Nitazene Control Act

This bill would permanently place nitazenes—very strong synthetic opioids—and their look‑alike versions into Schedule I, the category used for drugs with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. It covers the whole class at once to keep up with new versions appearing in the illegal drug supply and to help prevent overdoses. The bill defines the nitazene class by its chemistry and lists examples like etonitazene, isotonitazene, and metonitazene.

Any nitazene that was temporarily controlled becomes permanently controlled once the law takes effect. The Attorney General, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, can issue rules to clarify what substances are covered. Researchers who were already studying these substances can keep their approved work going for up to 18 months without a new registration if they notify the Attorney General within 90 days and then apply; this does not allow new research without proper approval.

• Who is affected: communities facing overdose risks; public safety and health officials; researchers already working on these drugs.
• What changes: class‑wide placement of nitazenes in Schedule I; temporary controls become permanent; federal rules may clarify what’s covered; limited grace period for ongoing, pre‑approved research with notice and an application to continue.
• When: the scheduling takes effect on enactment; the research grace period lasts up to 18 months, with a 90‑day notice requirement.