STAND Against Emerging Opioids Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3520
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-20: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on 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
- 2025-06-13T08:06:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to classify tianeptine—a substance sometimes used as an antidepressant but increasingly linked to opioid-like effects and abuse—as a controlled substance under federal law. By scheduling it in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the bill seeks to regulate its manufacture, distribution, and possession to protect public health from emerging opioid threats.
Key Provisions
- Scheduling Addition: Amends Section 202(c) of the CSA (21 U.S.C. 812(c)) by adding tianeptine, including its analogues (chemically similar compounds), salts (chemical forms that may alter solubility or stability), isomers (molecules with the same formula but different structures), and salts of isomers, to Schedule III.
- Effective Date: The scheduling takes effect 90 days after the bill's enactment, allowing time for regulatory adjustments.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This introduces tianeptine to the CSA's list of controlled substances for the first time, placing it in Schedule III. Schedule III substances (e.g., certain painkillers like codeine combinations) have accepted medical uses but moderate to low potential for physical dependence or abuse compared to higher schedules. Previously, tianeptine was unregulated federally, though some states had restrictions, creating a patchwork of controls.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will gain authority to enforce federal penalties for unauthorized handling of tianeptine, potentially increasing enforcement resources and regulatory oversight. Other agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may need to align approvals for any legitimate medical uses.
- On Citizens: Limits non-medical possession, sale, or distribution, which could reduce misuse and related health risks (e.g., addiction or overdose). Individuals with prescriptions might face stricter access, but Schedule III status allows for medical prescriptions with refills under certain conditions.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it aligns U.S. policy with international efforts to control synthetic opioids, potentially influencing trade or cooperation with countries producing tianeptine precursors.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement and Regulators: DEA, state attorneys general, and local police, who will handle increased compliance and enforcement.
- Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sectors: Doctors, pharmacies, and manufacturers, who must comply with new prescribing and distribution rules; legitimate medical users (e.g., for depression treatment) may need DEA registration.
- Public Health and Users: Individuals abusing tianeptine for opioid effects, addiction treatment providers, and vulnerable populations at risk of substance misuse.
- Researchers and Importers: Academic institutions and businesses dealing in chemical analogues, facing new import/export restrictions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal drug control framework by closing a regulatory gap on "emerging opioids," enabling prosecutions under CSA penalties (e.g., up to 5 years imprisonment for first-time possession offenses). Could lead to challenges if tianeptine has unrecognized medical benefits, potentially requiring FDA review for rescheduling.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority to regulate interstate substances; no apparent free speech or due process issues, as it targets conduct rather than expression.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (Democrat and Republican) reflects consensus on the opioid crisis, but may spark debate over federal overreach into state-level drug policies or impacts on mental health treatment access.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-20: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on 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.
- 2025-05-20: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on 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.
- 2025-05-20: Introduced in House
- 2025-05-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Scheduling Tianeptine and Analogues Now to Defend Against Emerging Opioids Act — issued 2025-05-20 — PDF (2 pages)