HALT Fentanyl Act

The HALT Fentanyl Act (S.331) would immediately place any fentanyl-related substance (including salts and isomers) into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, with limited exceptions. This creates a broad, All-Analog approach: if a substance is structurally related to fentanyl by the specified modifications, it would be treated as a Schedule I drug unless it’s already controlled in another schedule or specifically exempted. The bill also beefs up research-related rules by creating streamlined, expedited procedures for legitimate Schedule I research (including multi-site research and some manufacturing activities tied to research) and adds transparency around special procedures. Finally, it tightens penalties to cover fentanyl-related substances and requires the DEA to issue implementing regulations within six months, with interim final rules allowed. In short, the bill aims to dramatically expand control over fentanyl-related compounds, while attempting to facilitate certain types of research under tighter supervision.