Nitazene Control Act
Sponsored By: Senator David McCormick
Introduced
Summary
Permanently classifies nitazene opioids as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. It would add a broad definition of 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids to cover known nitazenes and likely analogs, aiming to preempt new variants in the illicit drug supply and streamline enforcement while keeping research subject to existing registration rules.
Show full summary
- Families and communities: Targets highly potent synthetic opioids that federal findings link to overdoses and fatalities by placing the whole nitazene class in Schedule I. The stated aim is to reduce the emergence of new, dangerous analogs in the illicit market.
- Law enforcement and courts: Converts substances temporarily scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Administration into permanent Schedule I listings and creates a class-wide standard for enforcement and prosecution of nitazene-related cases.
- Researchers and clinicians: Notes that research pathways under the HALT Fentanyl Act apply but makes clear no new research is authorized without proper registration and compliance with scheduling requirements.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Nitazene opioids listed as Schedule I
If enacted, the bill would add 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids (nitazenes) to Schedule I. Any amount of these drugs, including salts and isomers, would be treated as Schedule I. The bill defines the class by chemical structure, mu-opioid activity, and lists compounds like etonitazene, isotonitazene, and protonitazene. Substances temporarily scheduled under current law would be deemed permanently Schedule I on enactment.
Research registration required for nitazenes
If enacted, new research with nitazene opioids would require proper DEA registration and scheduling compliance. Researchers and labs would need to complete registration before starting studies. This could delay experiments and add administrative costs.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
David McCormick
PA • R
Cosponsors
Ruben Gallego
AZ • D
Sponsored 10/30/2025
Pete Ricketts
NE • R
Sponsored 10/30/2025
Jeanne Shaheen
NH • D
Sponsored 10/30/2025
Eric Schmitt
MO • R
Sponsored 10/30/2025
Elissa Slotkin
MI • D
Sponsored 10/30/2025
Ashley Moody
FL • R
Sponsored 10/30/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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