S. 331: HALT Fentanyl Act · WHAT THE LAW DOIN

AI-drafted · 0 of 2 human reviewsBill text used: Enrolled bill, as signed into law (Public Law 119-26) · updated Oct 26, 2026

This breakdown was drafted by AI from the official documents and passed our automatic checks: every quoted word was found in its source, and every number comes from an official record. Because this bill is high-profile, two people with different politics must review it before we mark it reviewed. Tap any small number to see the exact words a sentence rests on.

At a glance

Sourced

The law puts a whole family of fentanyl copies on the strictest drug list, called Schedule I, for good.
5
is amended by adding at the end of schedule I the following:[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of a fentanyl-related substance[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(1)
A drug is covered if it is a small chemical change to fentanyl. New copies are covered as soon as they appear.
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the term fentanyl-related substance means any substance that is structurally related to fentanyl by 1 or more of the following modifications[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(2)
Selling them now brings the same long minimum prison terms as selling other fentanyl copies.
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by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(a)(1)
It also makes it easier for scientists to get approval to study these drugs.
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Special provisions for practitioners conducting certain research with schedule I controlled substances[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)
The President signed it on July 16, 2025.
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2025-07-16 | Library of Congress | Signed by President.[1] Official bill status record for S. 331 · Actions, 2025-07-16

What it would mean for you

Sourced

If you are worried about overdoses in your community

Lab-made fentanyl copies stay illegal for good

Before, these drugs were on Schedule I only through temporary orders that Congress kept extending.
9,10
Right now, fentanyl analogues are considered schedule I substances, but only because of a series of temporary scheduling orders[9] Congressional Record, House debate, June 11, 2025 (H2625) · H2625, Rep. GriffithWe have had many, many extensions over the last several years[10] Congressional Record, Senate, March 14, 2025 (S1755) · S1755, Sen. Grassley
Now the law itself lists them, so there is no expiration date.
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any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of a fentanyl-related substance[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(1)

If someone is charged with selling these drugs

Mandatory minimum sentences now clearly apply

Selling 10 grams or more of a mixture with one of these drugs brings at least 5 years in prison.
5,6
10 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(B)(vi)such person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may not be less than 5 years[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(B)in subparagraph (B)(vi), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(a)(2)
Selling 100 grams or more brings at least 10 years.
5,6
100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(A)(vi)such person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may not be less than 10 years[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(A)in subparagraph (A)(vi), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(a)(1)
These minimums are for making or selling drugs, or holding them to sell. They are not for having drugs for your own use.
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to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (a)(1)

If you are a medical researcher

Getting approval to study these drugs is faster

If you already have approval to study Schedule I or II drugs, you can start 30 days after you tell the Attorney General.
5
the practitioner may conduct research under this subsection on and after the date that is 30 days after the date on which the practitioner sends a notice to the Attorney General[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)(3)(A)(i)
If you do not, the government must approve you or say why not within 45 days.
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not later than 45 days of receiving such a notice[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)(3)(B)(ii)(II)
This fast track covers research paid for by certain federal agencies and studies of new drugs being tested under FDA rules.
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is with respect to a drug that is the subject of an investigational use exemption[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)(2)(A)funded partly or entirely by a grant[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)(2)(B)(ii)

What this bill does not do

Sourced

Fentanyl itself stays on Schedule II, the list for drugs doctors can prescribe under strict limits.
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(6) Fentanyl.[7] 21 U.S.C. 812, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · Schedule II (b)(6)is otherwise expressly listed in a schedule other than this schedule[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(3)(B)
The penalty changes are only in the federal laws on selling drugs and on bringing drugs into the country.
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Section 401(b)(1) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(b)(1)) is amended[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(a)Section 1010(b) of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 960(b)) is amended[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(b)
If the Attorney General lists a drug through the usual process, that listing controls instead.
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is controlled by action of the Attorney General under section 201[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(3)(A)

Current law vs. the bill

Sourced

Every place the bill changes existing law. On the left, the law as it stands today, quoted from the U.S. Code. On the right, the bill's words.

21 U.S.C. 812(c), Schedule IAdds a new category

Current law

(xv) 1-pentyl-3-(2-chlorophenylacetyl)indole (JWH–203).
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(xv) 1-pentyl-3-(2-chlorophenylacetyl)indole (JWH–203).[7] 21 U.S.C. 812, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · Schedule I, last entry

Schedule I in the law ended with this entry. Fentanyl copies were controlled only by temporary orders.

The bill

any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of a fentanyl-related substance
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any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of a fentanyl-related substance[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(1)

In plain words: Fentanyl-related substances become a permanent Schedule I category.

is amended by adding at the end of schedule I the following:[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2

21 U.S.C. 841(b)(1)(A)(vi)Adds words

Current law

100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide
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100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(A)(vi)

The bill

in subparagraph (A)(vi), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide
5
in subparagraph (A)(vi), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(a)(1)

In plain words: The 100-gram threshold for the 10-year minimum now names fentanyl-related substances too.

may not be less than 10 years[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(A)100 grams or more[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(A)(vi)

21 U.S.C. 841(b)(1)(B)(vi)Adds words

Current law

10 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide
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10 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(B)(vi)

The bill

in subparagraph (B)(vi), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide
5
in subparagraph (B)(vi), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(a)(2)

In plain words: The 10-gram threshold for the 5-year minimum now names fentanyl-related substances too.

may not be less than 5 years[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(B)10 grams or more[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(B)(vi)

21 U.S.C. 960(b)(1)(F) and (b)(2)(F)Adds words

Current law

100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide
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100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of any analogue of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide[8] 21 U.S.C. 960, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (b)(1)(F)

The bill

in paragraph (1)(F), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after
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in paragraph (1)(F), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(b)

In plain words: The same change applies to bringing these drugs into or out of the country.

Section 1010(b) of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 960(b)) is amended[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(b)

21 U.S.C. 823 and 822 (research registration)Adds new subsections

Current law

New: nothing here today.

The bill

Special provisions for practitioners conducting certain research with schedule I controlled substances
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Special provisions for practitioners conducting certain research with schedule I controlled substances[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)

In plain words: New rules speed up approval for Schedule I research and cut repeat paperwork.

a new inspection by the Attorney General of the registered location is not required[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(d) → inserted (2)(A)

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

Sourced

Written into the bill

These take effect exactly as written.

Which drugs are covered is set by the chemical definition in the law.
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the term fentanyl-related substance means any substance that is structurally related to fentanyl[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(2)
The penalties took effect on the day the law was signed.
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apply beginning as of the date of enactment of this Act[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 7(a)
The research deadlines of 30 and 45 days are in the law.
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30 days after the date on which the practitioner sends a notice[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)(3)(A)(i)not later than 45 days of receiving such a notice[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)(3)(B)(ii)(II)

Left to agencies or states

The real effect depends on rules someone else writes later.

The Attorney General writes the rules that carry out the law, and may publish a list of covered drugs.
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issue rules to implement this Act[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 5(a)(1)The Attorney General may by order publish in the Federal Register a list of substances[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(4)(A)
The Attorney General may also set rules for storing drugs and keeping records at research sites.
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The Attorney General may, in consultation with the Secretary, issue regulations addressing[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(c) → inserted (4)(C)
Federal prosecutors decide which cases to bring under the new penalties.
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it shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally[6] 21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · (a)

Section by section

Sourced

Sec. 1 Short title: Names the law the HALT Fentanyl Act.
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or the HALT Fentanyl Act[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 1
Sec. 2 Scheduling the whole class: Adds fentanyl-related substances to Schedule I by law.
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is amended by adding at the end of schedule I the following:[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2
A drug counts if it differs from fentanyl in one of the chemical ways the law lists.
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structurally related to fentanyl by 1 or more of the following modifications[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(2)By replacement of the N-propionyl group with another acyl group.[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(2)(E)
The Attorney General may publish a list of covered drugs, but a drug left off the list is still covered.
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The Attorney General may by order publish in the Federal Register a list of substances[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(4)(A)The absence of a substance from a list published under subparagraph (A) does not negate the control status[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(4)(B)
Sec. 3 Research registration: Creates a faster way to get approval for research with Schedule I drugs.
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a practitioner may conduct research described in paragraph (2) of this subsection with 1 or more schedule I substances[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)(1)
Lets researchers at one institution share a registration, and cover nearby sites with a single registration.
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An agent or employee of a research institution that is conducting research with a controlled substance[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(b)(1) → inserted (4)may conduct the research under a single registration[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(c) → inserted (4)(A)
Requires the Justice Department's Inspector General to report on fentanyl research within 1 year.
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Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Justice shall complete a study[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 3(a)(2) → inserted (n)(7)
Sec. 4 Technical fixes: Fixes cross-references in an earlier law, Public Law 117-328, about giving out controlled drugs.
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Effective as if included in the enactment of Public Law 117–328[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 4
Sec. 5 Rules: The Attorney General must write rules within 6 months and may make them take effect right away, before public comment.
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shall, not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, issue rules[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 5(a)(1)shall become immediately effective as an interim final rule[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 5(b)(1)
The public still gets a chance to comment before a final rule.
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shall give interested persons the opportunity to comment and to request a hearing[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 5(b)(2)
Sec. 6 Penalties: Adds fentanyl-related substances next to fentanyl analogues in the trafficking and import penalty laws.
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by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(a)(1)in paragraph (1)(F), by inserting or a fentanyl-related substance after[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 6(b)(1)
Sec. 7 When it applies: The changes took effect when the law was signed, even before the rules were done.
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the amendments made by this Act apply beginning as of the date of enactment of this Act[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 7(a)
It says the law should not be read to help people charged for conduct before it passed.
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with respect to conduct occurring before the date of the enactment of this Act[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 7(b)

What changed between versions

Sourced

is → rs

No changes to the wording.

rs → es

The Senate fixed a wrong cross-reference: the effective-date section now points to the rules section, Section 5, instead of Section 4.
3,4
Irrespective of the date on which the rules required by section 4 are finalized[3] S. 331 as reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee (Mar. 3, 2025) · Sec. 7(a)Irrespective of the date on which the rules required by section 5 are finalized[4] S. 331 as passed by the Senate (Mar. 14, 2025) · Sec. 7(a)
It also corrected the name of the import law and the citation to the federal rulemaking law. These were wording fixes, not policy changes.
4
1010(b) of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 960(b))[4] S. 331 as passed by the Senate (Mar. 14, 2025) · Sec. 7(b)notwithstanding subparagraph (B) of the undesignated matter following paragraph (4) of section 553(b) of title 5[4] S. 331 as passed by the Senate (Mar. 14, 2025) · Sec. 5(b)(1)

es → enr

No changes to the wording.

Version codes: ih/is = as introduced, rh/rs = as reported by committee, eh/es = as passed by one chamber, enr = final text sent to the President.

Cost

Sourced

The Congressional Budget Office estimated that carrying out the bill would cost the government less than $500,000 over 2025 to 2030.
11
CBO estimates that implementing S. 331 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period[11] CBO cost estimate for S. 331 as reported (March 10, 2025) · CBO estimate, March 10, 2025
CBO expected more criminal convictions, and estimated fines and fees would raise revenue and direct spending by $1 million over 2025 to 2035.
11
CBO expects that the number of criminal convictions would increase when the temporary classifications become permanent[11] CBO cost estimate for S. 331 as reported (March 10, 2025) · CBO estimatewould increase revenues and direct spending by $1 million over the 2025-2035 period.[11] CBO cost estimate for S. 331 as reported (March 10, 2025) · CBO estimate
CBO did not estimate the cost of keeping more people in prison.
11
Criminal fines are recorded as revenues, deposited into the Crime Victims Fund[11] CBO cost estimate for S. 331 as reported (March 10, 2025) · CBO estimate

Analysis

Every bill gets the same five questions. Arguments are attributed to the people who made them, and each side gets about the same space.

Path to law

The White House said it strongly supported the House version of the bill.
12
The Administration strongly supports enactment of the HALT Fentanyl Act.[12] Statement of Administration Policy on H.R. 27, the House version (Feb. 4, 2025) · Statement of Administration Policy, Feb. 4, 2025
The Senate passed it 84 to 16 on March 14, 2025.
1
2025-03-14 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 16. Record Vote Number: 127.[1] Official bill status record for S. 331 · Actions, 2025-03-14
The House passed the Senate's version 321 to 104 on June 12, 2025, and the President signed it on July 16, 2025.
1
2025-06-12 15:36:34 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 321 - 104 (Roll no. 166).[1] Official bill status record for S. 331 · Actions, 2025-06-122025-07-16 | Library of Congress | Signed by President.[1] Official bill status record for S. 331 · Actions, 2025-07-16

Balance of power

Congress took over a decision that had been made through temporary orders, and wrote the drug class into law itself.
10
So no longer will Congress be kicking the can down the road with temporary extensions.[10] Congressional Record, Senate, March 14, 2025 (S1755) · S1755, Sen. Grassley
The law lets the Attorney General's rules take effect at once, without first showing a special reason for skipping public comment.
5
without requiring the Attorney General to demonstrate good cause therefor[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 5(b)(1)

Coalitions

In the House, Republicans voted 217 to 1 for it, while Democrats split 104 for and 103 against.
13
Republican: Yeas 217, Nays 1[13] House roll call 166 (June 12, 2025), Clerk of the House · Clerk party totalsDemocratic: Yeas 104, Nays 103[13] House roll call 166 (June 12, 2025), Clerk of the House · Clerk party totals
In the key Senate test vote to start debate, all 12 no votes came from Democrats.
14
Nay: 12 Democrats[14] Senate roll call 110 (March 6, 2025), cloture on the motion to proceed · Senate.gov party totals

Precedent

Before, a lab-made fentanyl copy generally had to be proven a controlled substance analogue, a term defined by how similar its chemistry and effects are to a listed drug.
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the chemical structure of which is substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance in schedule I or II[16] 21 U.S.C. 802, U.S. Code 2024 edition (definitions, including controlled substance analogue) · (32)(A)(i)effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than[16] 21 U.S.C. 802, U.S. Code 2024 edition (definitions, including controlled substance analogue) · (32)(A)(ii)
The new law covers a drug based on its chemical structure alone.
5
structurally related to fentanyl by 1 or more of the following modifications[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2 → inserted (e)(2)
It also states that Congress agrees with a 2018 federal court ruling on how the drug law applies.
5
Congress agrees with the interpretation of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) in United States v. McCray, 346 F. Supp. 3d 363 (W.D.N.Y. 2018).[5] S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 7(c)

The strongest case on each side

For

Cartels change one part of fentanyl's chemistry to dodge the law, and the temporary orders closing that gap were about to run out.
9
A loophole that the cartels have tried to use to traffic their illicit fentanyl into our country is by changing one part of fentanyl's chemical structure to create fentanyl analogues.[9] Congressional Record, House debate, June 11, 2025 (H2625) · H2625
Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), House sponsor
Drug agents should not have to chase each new copy of fentanyl one at a time.
10
No longer does the Drug Enforcement Agency need to play this game of Whac-A-Mole every time a cartel develops a new fentanyl knockoff.[10] Congressional Record, Senate, March 14, 2025 (S1755) · S1755
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee
The research changes let scientists study these drugs, and any that prove useful can be moved off Schedule I.
9
we put into this bill the capability to do extensive research by universities, the NIH, and the FDA[9] Congressional Record, House debate, June 11, 2025 (H2625) · H2625
Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Against

Mandatory minimum sentences treat everyone the same and do not let judges weigh each person's situation.
9
the harsh penalties do not consider individual circumstances[9] Congressional Record, House debate, June 11, 2025 (H2625) · H2625
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), top Democrat on Energy and Commerce
The bill adds no money for prevention or treatment, which is how overdose deaths actually come down.
9
the legislation has no resources for prevention or treatment and just simply locks people up[9] Congressional Record, House debate, June 11, 2025 (H2625) · H2625
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Tougher punishment will not end the overdose crisis.
15
we can't punish our way out of this problem[15] Drug Policy Alliance statement (March 14, 2025) · Drug Policy Alliance statement, March 14, 2025
Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), Law Enforcement Action Partnership

Did this make sense?

Sourced

Three quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.

1. What does the law do with fentanyl-related substances?

2. Selling at least how much of a mixture with one of these drugs brings a 5-year minimum sentence?

3. Does the law move fentanyl itself to Schedule I?

How this was checked

Sourced

Automatic: every quote matched its source; every number matched an official record.
CBO estimate for S. 331 (as reported): Cost figures are quoted from CBO. CBO scored the committee version; the Senate's later changes were technical fixes.
Committee section-by-section: Not available: the Senate Judiciary Committee reported the bill without a written report.

Spot an error? See our corrections log and how to report one →

Sources

Sourced

Official bill status record for S. 331 · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
S. 331 as introduced in the Senate (Jan. 30, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
S. 331 as reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee (Mar. 3, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
S. 331 as passed by the Senate (Mar. 14, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
S. 331 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
21 U.S.C. 841, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
21 U.S.C. 812, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
21 U.S.C. 960, U.S. Code 2024 edition (law before the Act) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
Congressional Record, House debate, June 11, 2025 (H2625) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
Congressional Record, Senate, March 14, 2025 (S1755) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 26, 2026
CBO cost estimate for S. 331 as reported (March 10, 2025) · Congressional Budget Office · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
Statement of Administration Policy on H.R. 27, the House version (Feb. 4, 2025) · White House statement · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
House roll call 166 (June 12, 2025), Clerk of the House · Roll call vote · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
Senate roll call 110 (March 6, 2025), cloture on the motion to proceed · Roll call vote · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
Drug Policy Alliance statement (March 14, 2025) · News or advocacy · retrieved Oct 26, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
21 U.S.C. 802, U.S. Code 2024 edition (definitions, including controlled substance analogue) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 26, 2026

Official summary

Sourced

Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl Act

This act 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.

Under the act, offenses involving fentanyl-related substances are triggered by the same quantity thresholds and subject to the same penalties as offenses involving fentanyl analogues (e.g., offenses involving 100 grams or more trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum prison term).

Additionally, the act establishes a new, alternative registration process for certain schedule I research.

The act also makes several other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, including

• permitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances,

• waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, and

• allowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration.

Finally, the act expresses the sense that Congress agrees with the interpretation of the Controlled Substances Act in United States v. McCray, a 2018 case decided by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. In that case, the court held that butyryl fentanyl, a controlled substance, can be considered an analogue of fentanyl even though, under the Controlled Substances Act, the term controlled substance analogue specifically excludes a controlled substance.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Jul 17, 2025).

What has happened

Sourced

2025-07-16Became Public Law No: 119-26.Library of Congress
2025-07-16Signed by President.Library of Congress
2025-07-08Presented to President.Library of Congress
2025-06-12Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 321 - 104 (Roll no. 166). (text: 6/11/2025 CR H2625-2627) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
2025-03-14Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 16. Record Vote Number: 127. Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
2025-03-03Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.Library of Congress
2025-01-30Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show all 42 recorded actions

Recorded votes

Sourced

Jun 12, 2025 · House roll call 166 · needed 1/2

On Passage: Passed 321–104

R 217 yes, 1 no, 2 present or not votingD 104 yes, 103 no, 5 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

Sen. Marsha Blackburn R-TN
Sen. Katie Boyd Britt R-AL
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito R-WV
Sen. Susan M. Collins R-ME
Sen. John Cornyn R-TX
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto D-NV
Sen. Ted Cruz R-TX
Sen. Steve Daines R-MT
Sen. Joni Ernst R-IA
Sen. Ruben Gallego D-AZ
Sen. Lindsey Graham R-SC
Sen. Chuck Grassley R-IA
Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan D-NH
Sen. Josh Hawley R-MO
Sen. Martin Heinrich D-NM
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith R-MS
Sen. James C. Justice R-WV
Sen. Mark Kelly D-AZ
Sen. John Kennedy R-LA
Sen. Angus S., Jr. King I-ME
Sen. Mike Lee R-UT
Sen. Roger Marshall R-KS
Sen. David McCormick R-PA
Sen. Ashley Moody R-FL
Sen. Pete Ricketts R-NE
Sen. Mike Rounds R-SD
Sen. Eric Schmitt R-MO
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen D-NH
Sen. Dan Sullivan R-AK
Sen. Thomas Tillis R-NC
Sen. Todd Young R-IN