Bill > S3076

This bill proposes to permanently add a class of synthetic opioids called 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids (nitazenes) to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Nitazenes are extremely potent synthetic opioids first developed in the 1950s that can be more powerful than fentanyl, and they have emerged in the illicit drug market, contributing to overdose deaths. The bill provides a detailed scientific definition of the chemical structure of these compounds, specifically outlining modifications to the molecular structure that would be classified under this scheduling. The legislation includes a list of specific nitazene compounds like etonitazene, clonitazene, and metonitazene, and effectively converts their previous temporary scheduling to a permanent status. The bill aims to preemptively address the proliferation of new nitazene analogs, streamline law enforcement efforts, and protect public health. Importantly, the bill includes a provision that does not authorize new research using these substances without proper registration and scheduling compliance, while noting that existing research pathways from the HALT Fentanyl Act remain applicable to scheduled nitazenes.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3076/all-info