HALT Fentanyl Act

The HALT Fentanyl Act makes permanent the classification of fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled drugs under federal law. Previously, most fentanyl-related substances were only temporarily classified and were set to expire on March 31, 2025. This law eliminates that expiration date and makes the classification permanent without requiring additional action from federal agencies. Schedule I drugs are those with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

The law establishes that offenses involving fentanyl-related substances trigger the same criminal penalties as offenses involving fentanyl itself. This means that trafficking 100 grams or more of these substances carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. The law targets illegal fentanyl knock-offs created by drug cartels to circumvent existing drug laws by closing legal loopholes that previously allowed new synthetic variations to be created and distributed.

The law does not affect legal medical fentanyl prescribed by doctors. Patients will continue to have the same access to fentanyl for legitimate medical treatment as they did before. The law also does not increase existing mandatory minimum sentences; it simply confirms penalties that federal courts have already been applying.

Additionally, the law modifies registration requirements for scientists and researchers who study Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, making it easier for them to conduct fentanyl research. The Department of Justice is required to issue regulations implementing the law and must submit a report to Congress within one year on fentanyl research activities.