Plain Language Summary
# SAFE Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The SAFE Act would make the ban on fentanyl-related substances permanent by placing them in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Currently, fentanyl-related drugs are banned through a temporary order from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that expires on March 31, 2025. This bill would make that ban permanent.
Additionally, the bill would reduce mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain fentanyl-related offenses and create a process to remove specific fentanyl-related substances from the Schedule I list if they're found to have low abuse potential and legitimate medical uses. **Who It Affects:** This bill would impact drug enforcement agencies (like the DEA and Department of Justice), individuals convicted of fentanyl-related crimes, pharmaceutical companies developing new medications, and the general public concerned about opioid trafficking and overdoses. People currently serving sentences for fentanyl convictions could potentially have their sentences reduced if their convicted substance is later removed from the Schedule I list. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) and remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Save Americans from the Fentanyl Emergency Act or the SAFE ActThis bill permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Fentanyl-related substances are currently regulated under schedule I through a temporary order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The temporary order expires on March 31, 2025.It limits mandatory minimum penalties for certain offenses involving fentanyl-related substances, establishes a process to deschedule or remove certain fentanyl-related substances that have a low potential for abuse, and allows federal courts to vacate or reduce sentences for convictions involving a fentanyl-related substance that is descheduled or moved to a schedule other than schedule I or II.The bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for schedule I research. It also makes other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, includingpermitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances,waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, andallowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration.Finally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to analyze the implementation and impact of permanently placing fentanyl-related substances into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.