STOP Nitazenes Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7970

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-25: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Last Updated

2026-07-01T08:09:16Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation aims to permanently classify 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, known as nitazenes, as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The goal is to strengthen federal controls on these synthetic opioids due to their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The bill is named the "Strengthening Tools to Outlaw Poisonous Nitazenes Act" or "STOP Nitazenes Act."
• Scheduling Amendment: It adds a new subsection to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812(c)) that covers any material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing a 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioid, including its salts and isomers.
• Definition of Nitazenes: The term includes substances structurally related to 2-benzylbenzimidazole with specific modifications at positions 1, 2, and 6, or those showing agonist activity at the mu-opioid receptor. It explicitly lists examples such as etonitazene, clonitazene, metonitazene, isotonitazene, protonitazene, butonitazene, etodesnitazene, flunitazene, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene, N-desethyl isotonitazene, and N-piperidinyl etonitazene.
• Attorney General Authority: The Attorney General may publish a list of qualifying substances in the Federal Register.
• Removal of Temporary Status: Any nitazenes previously placed on temporary Schedule I status become permanently scheduled upon enactment.
• Rulemaking Requirements: The Attorney General must issue implementing rules within one year, with authority to use an interim final rule process that allows for public comment and a subsequent final rule.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill permanently adds a broad class of nitazenes to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, shifting them from temporary emergency scheduling under 21 U.S.C. 811(h) to indefinite placement. It expands the definition of Schedule I substances beyond specific named compounds to include a structural and functional class, and streamlines rulemaking by permitting interim final rules without the standard "good cause" demonstration under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases enforcement responsibilities for the Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration in regulating, investigating, and prosecuting activities involving these substances.
• Citizens: Restricts access to nitazenes for non-medical purposes, potentially reducing availability in illicit markets while limiting legitimate research or medical applications due to Schedule I restrictions.
• International Relations: May align U.S. controls more closely with international efforts to address synthetic opioids, though it does not directly alter treaties or foreign policy.

Main Stakeholders

• Federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies (e.g., Attorney General and DEA).
• Individuals involved in the manufacture, distribution, or possession of these substances.
• Researchers and scientific institutions studying opioids.
• Public health entities and communities affected by opioid misuse.
• Chemical and pharmaceutical industries that may produce or handle related compounds.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The broad structural definition of nitazenes could lead to challenges regarding the clarity and scope of prohibited substances under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I placement imposes strict controls on research and possession, raising questions about balancing public safety with scientific access. The use of interim final rules expedites implementation but may invite administrative or due process concerns. Politically, the bill reflects ongoing efforts to address emerging synthetic drug threats through legislative scheduling.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-25: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
• 2026-06-25: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-03-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
• 2026-03-18: 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.
• 2026-03-18: 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.
• 2026-03-18: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-18: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Strengthening Tools to Outlaw Poisonous Nitazenes Act — issued 2026-03-18 — PDF (5 pages)