To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdose, and for other purposes.

This legislation does two main things. First, it strengthens anti-drug rules at sea by making clear it’s illegal to make, move, or intentionally place illegal drugs on a vessel—even if the person isn’t on the boat or the crew doesn’t know, such as with an unmanned vessel .

Second, it requires the Coast Guard to update its policy so naloxone—a medicine that can reverse opioid overdoses—is available at all Coast Guard bases and wherever they operate. It also has the Coast Guard join a Defense Department system that tracks naloxone use and illegal opioid activity (including fentanyl), and report to Congress on progress. The Coast Guard must follow privacy laws while doing this .

Key points

• Who is affected: Coast Guard members and people involved in moving illegal drugs by sea .
• What changes: Clearer ban on placing drugs on vessels; naloxone available on all installations and in all operations; Coast Guard joins a tracking system and finalizes an agreement to access it; briefing to Congress; compliance with privacy laws .
• When: Policy update and tracking system participation within 1 year of enactment; briefing to Congress within 2 years.