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119-hr-1561119th CongressWALLET

ALERT Communities Act

Sponsored By: Representative Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]

In Committee

Summary

Expands and coordinates use of rapid test strips to detect fentanyl, xylazine, and other dangerous substances. This bill would authorize research, fund test strips and related grants, require responder training, set standards for developers, and mandate a study on effects.

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  • First responders and community groups would face a new training requirement to carry and help others access fentanyl and xylazine test strips. Grants could be used to buy test strips and support community implementation.
  • People who use drugs and their families would have wider access to rapid test strips that detect adulteration or the presence of harmful substances in drugs or human specimens. HHS must study whether drug checking supplies change overdose frequency, overdose deaths, and engagement in treatment and report to Congress in 2 years.
  • Manufacturers and test developers would receive standards and guidance for developing and testing new test strip technologies and guidance on authorization pathways for clinical and on-site uses.
  • Federal health and drug control agencies would be directed to develop and publicly release research and marketing frameworks for test strip technology, with input from NIH, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, FDA, and DEA.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Guidance for test strip manufacturers

If enacted, the bill would require HHS, working with NIH, ONDCP, the FDA, and the DEA, to publish research and marketing frameworks for test strips that detect fentanyl and other dangerous substances. The frameworks would set standards for manufacturers, encourage test strips for human specimens in clinical settings to guide on-site decisions, and explain authorization pathways. The bill would also define "test strip" as a rapid-response, single-use diagnostic that finds drug adulteration or the presence in a human specimen of substances like fentanyl or xylazine. These requirements would take effect upon enactment.

Training responders and studying test strips

If enacted, the bill would require programs operating under Section 546(c) of the Public Health Service Act to train and provide resources to first responders and community partners on carrying and helping people access fentanyl and xylazine test strips. The bill would also require HHS to study how the availability, access, and use of drug checking supplies, including test strips, affect overdose frequency, overdose deaths, and engagement in substance use disorder treatment. HHS would have to report the study to Congress not later than 2 years after enactment. These requirements would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]

TX • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 2/25/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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