Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3082
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-29: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-21T08:08:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025 aims to repeal a specific restriction in existing federal drug control policy law, promoting approaches grounded in scientific evidence rather than outdated prohibitions.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is officially named the "Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025."
- Repeal Clause: It directly repeals section 704(b)(12) of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998 (codified at 21 U.S.C. 1703(b)(12)), which is a provision limiting certain federal funding or activities related to national drug control strategies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This repeal removes a longstanding limitation on the Office of National Drug Control Policy's (ONDCP) authority, specifically eliminating subsection (b)(12) from the 1998 Act.
- The change shifts federal drug policy framework by eliminating a barrier that previously restricted evidence-based initiatives, allowing for more flexible implementation of drug control programs without that specific constraint.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The ONDCP and related agencies (e.g., under the Departments of Health and Human Services or Justice) could redirect resources toward programs supported by scientific research, potentially increasing funding availability for harm reduction or prevention strategies previously restricted.
- On Citizens: Individuals affected by drug policies, such as those in recovery or at risk of substance use disorders, may benefit from expanded access to evidence-based public health interventions, though direct effects depend on subsequent funding decisions.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it could align U.S. drug policy more closely with global standards emphasizing evidence-based approaches, potentially influencing bilateral aid or cooperation on drug control.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the ONDCP, with spillover to committees overseeing health, commerce, and judiciary matters (e.g., House Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Commerce, and Judiciary).
- Policymakers and Advocates: Lawmakers focused on drug reform, public health experts, and organizations promoting evidence-based treatments (e.g., needle exchange or syringe programs, if the repealed provision related to such restrictions).
- Communities: Populations impacted by the opioid crisis or substance use, including healthcare providers and local governments implementing drug policies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The repeal simplifies the ONDCP's statutory framework by removing a targeted prohibition, potentially reducing legal challenges related to funding restrictions; it does not alter broader constitutional balances like federal spending powers.
- Constitutional: No direct implications for core constitutional issues (e.g., federalism or individual rights), as it pertains to internal agency operations under Congress's spending authority.
- Political: Introduced by Representatives Titus and Omar, the bill reflects bipartisan or reform-oriented efforts to modernize drug policy amid ongoing debates on the opioid epidemic; its referral to multiple committees suggests potential for broader legislative scrutiny, possibly sparking discussions on balancing prohibition with public health.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-29: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and 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.
- 2025-04-29: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and 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.
- 2025-04-29: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and 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.
- 2025-04-29: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (2 pages)