Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act

House Votes

This bill makes all fentanyl-related substances part of the strictest federal drug category (Schedule I) on a permanent basis. That means any drug that is chemically similar to fentanyl would be treated like fentanyl under federal law, even if it’s a new or slightly changed version. Schedule I drugs are considered to have a high risk of abuse and no accepted medical use, and they carry strong criminal penalties. The bill says these substances will be treated like fentanyl for penalties without needing extra proof that they meet a separate “analogue” test, and it takes effect one day after it becomes law.

Right now, fentanyl-like substances are only temporarily in Schedule I under a DEA order that ends March 31, 2025. This bill would make that status permanent. It also gives a detailed list of chemical changes that still count a drug as “fentanyl-related,” so makers can’t avoid the rules by slightly tweaking the formula.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People who make, sell, or traffic fentanyl-like drugs; law enforcement and communities facing fentanyl overdoses.
• What changes: All fentanyl-related substances are permanently treated as Schedule I, with the same penalties as fentanyl, without extra proof they are “analogues”.
• When: Takes effect one day after enactment; replaces the temporary rule that ends March 31, 2025 .