ALERT Communities Act
Sponsored By: Senator Maggie Hassan
Introduced
Summary
Expand access to and standards for fentanyl and xylazine test strips. This bill would create federal support for distributing test strips, require training for responders and community programs, direct HHS to set product and research standards, and mandate a study on how test-strip availability affects overdoses and treatment.
Show full summary
- Communities and people who use drugs: Would facilitate access to test strips that detect fentanyl and xylazine through activities funded under the 21st Century Cures Act, where allowed by federal and state law.
- First responders and local community sectors: Would require training and provision of resources so they can carry and help others obtain test strips.
- Manufacturers, clinicians, and policymakers: Would direct HHS, with NIH, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, FDA, and DEA, to publish research and marketing frameworks that set standards, emphasize on-site clinical decision use, outline authorization pathways, and to study impacts on overdose frequency, overdose deaths, and treatment engagement with a report to Congress within 2 years.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal guidance for test strips
If enacted, the bill would require HHS to publish research and marketing frameworks for test strips that detect fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. HHS would consult NIH, ONDCP, FDA, and DEA and give guidance for manufacturers and clinical use.
Help states pay for test strips
If enacted, the bill would let State and Tribal opioid response grants pay for or help people get fentanyl and xylazine test strips. Purchases and possession would have to follow Federal and State law.
Train first responders on test strips
If enacted, the bill would require programs to train first responders and community groups to carry and help people access fentanyl and xylazine test strips. Programs would also provide resources to support that training and access.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Maggie Hassan
NH • D
Cosponsors
John Cornyn
TX • R
Sponsored 7/17/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govTake It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in