Stop Pills That Kill Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8005
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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
- 2026-04-10T20:11:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
H.R. 8005: Stop Pills That Kill Act
Purpose
The bill aims to combat the distribution and use of counterfeit drugs containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogues (chemically similar substances), or methamphetamine—especially those mimicking legitimate pharmaceuticals like pills—by strengthening prohibitions, enhancing enforcement, education, and reporting under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Key Provisions
- Defines "counterfeit fentanyl or methamphetamine substance": A drug containing fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, or methamphetamine that is marketed, sold, or labeled to falsely imitate another product's trademark, name, imprint, or mark (e.g., fake prescription pills).
- Requires a DEA response plan (due within 180 days of enactment): Includes law enforcement strategies for seizures; expanded education/prevention efforts (building on initiatives like Operation Engage, targeted at youth); and an audit of campaigns like "One Pill Can Kill" to improve effectiveness against counterfeits.
- Mandates annual reports to Congress (starting 1 year after enactment): From the Attorney General (with DEA and Office of National Drug Control Policy input), covering seizure data (totals, pill forms, contents, locations), charges/convictions/sentences under CSA Section 401(a) for counterfeits (unless it risks investigations), and prevention measures like public awareness.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends CSA Section 403(d)(2) (21 U.S.C. 843(d)(2)), which addresses certain drug-related offenses, by explicitly adding "fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, or a counterfeit substance" alongside methamphetamine. This expands prohibitions on acts like distributing or possessing with intent to distribute these counterfeits.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases DEA workload for planning/audits; requires coordinated DOJ/DEA/ONDCP reporting, potentially improving data-driven enforcement and prevention.
- Citizens: Heightens risks of prosecution for traffickers/dealers of counterfeit pills; boosts public education (especially for youth) to reduce accidental overdoses from fake pills mistaken for legitimate drugs.
- No direct international relations impact noted, though it indirectly supports U.S. efforts against global fentanyl trafficking.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law enforcement agencies (DEA, DOJ): Gain tools for investigations, seizures, and prosecutions.
- Drug control entities (Office of National Drug Control Policy): Involved in planning, reporting, and campaigns.
- Drug traffickers/producers: Face expanded criminal prohibitions and heightened scrutiny.
- General public, especially youth/teens: Benefit from targeted prevention/education to avoid counterfeit pills.
- Congress: Receives ongoing data for oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Bolsters CSA enforcement without new penalties, focusing on counterfeits to address opioid crisis; data reporting has safeguards to protect ongoing cases.
- Constitutional: Aligns with federal drug regulation powers; no apparent conflicts with rights like due process.
- Political: Signals priority on fentanyl deaths via "pill-focused" approach, potentially influencing funding/debate on drug policy without partisan mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stop Pills That Kill Act — issued 2026-03-19 — PDF (5 pages)