Stop Pills That Kill Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3087
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-30: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-10T20:11:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Stop Pills That Kill Act" (S. 3087) aims to strengthen federal efforts to combat the dangers of counterfeit drugs, particularly those containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogues (chemical variations of fentanyl), or methamphetamine. It targets the production, distribution, and possession of fake pills that mimic legitimate medications but contain these deadly substances, with a focus on public safety, enforcement, and education to reduce overdose risks.
Key Provisions
- Definition of Counterfeit Substances: Introduces a clear definition of a "counterfeit fentanyl or methamphetamine substance" as any product containing fentanyl, its analogues, or methamphetamine that is falsely marketed or labeled to resemble another legitimate product (e.g., using fake trademarks or imprints).
- Prohibited Acts Amendment: Modifies Section 403(d)(2) of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to explicitly ban the manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, or counterfeit substances, building on existing rules for methamphetamine.
- DEA Comprehensive Plan: Within 180 days of enactment, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must create and implement an operational plan addressing counterfeit substances. This includes:
- Strategies to support federal investigations and seizures.
- Enhanced education and prevention efforts, such as expanding programs like Operation Engage, with a focus on youth and teens.
- An audit of existing campaigns (e.g., "One Pill Can Kill") to improve their effectiveness against counterfeit pill flows, based on data review.
- Annual Reporting to Congress: The Attorney General, in consultation with the DEA Administrator and the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, must submit yearly reports starting one year after enactment. Reports cover:
- Seizure data (total numbers, pill forms, contained substances, locations, and timing).
- Prosecution and conviction statistics for manufacturing, distributing, or possessing these substances under CSA Section 401(a), including sentences (with protections to avoid compromising ongoing cases).
- Details on prevention measures, like public awareness campaigns.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the CSA's prohibited acts under Section 403(d)(2) to directly include fentanyl and its analogues alongside methamphetamine, closing potential gaps in enforcement against counterfeit versions of these drugs.
- Introduces new requirements for DEA operational planning and mandatory annual reporting, which were not previously specified in the CSA for these substances. This shifts from reactive enforcement to proactive, data-driven strategies and accountability.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DEA and Department of Justice (DOJ) will face increased responsibilities for planning, auditing campaigns, and reporting, potentially requiring more resources for investigations, seizures, and public education. This could enhance coordination with the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
- On Citizens: Aims to reduce access to deadly counterfeit pills, particularly among youth, through better awareness and prevention, potentially lowering overdose deaths from fentanyl-laced fakes. However, it may lead to stricter penalties for minor possession cases if intent to distribute is alleged.
- On International Relations: Indirectly supports U.S. efforts to curb international drug trafficking (e.g., from sources of fentanyl precursors), but focuses domestically without new foreign policy mandates.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement and Agencies: DEA, DOJ, and Office of National Drug Control Policy, who must implement plans, conduct audits, and provide reports.
- Public and Vulnerable Groups: Especially youth and teens at risk of accidental ingestion of counterfeit pills; general citizens benefit from heightened awareness campaigns.
- Drug Traffickers and Manufacturers: Illicit producers, distributors, and possessors of counterfeit substances face expanded prohibitions and potential for more prosecutions.
- Congress and Policymakers: Receives annual data to inform future drug policy adjustments.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Legitimate drug makers may see indirect benefits from reduced counterfeit competition, though not directly addressed.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the CSA by broadening criminal liabilities under Sections 401(a) and 403(d)(2), potentially leading to more federal charges and longer sentences for counterfeit drug offenses. Emphasizes data protections in reports to safeguard ongoing investigations, balancing transparency with prosecutorial needs.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts with core rights like due process or free speech; focuses on regulated substances without new surveillance powers.
- Political: Reflects bipartisan concern over the opioid crisis (introduced by Sens. Grassley and Hassan), signaling a push for aggressive anti-fentanyl measures amid rising overdose deaths. Could influence future legislation on drug scheduling or border security, but risks criticism for not addressing root causes like addiction treatment.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-30: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-10-30: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Stop Pills That Kill Act — issued 2025-10-30 — PDF (5 pages)