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119-hr-7970119th Congress

STOP Nitazenes Act

Sponsored By: Representative Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]

In Committee

Summary

Permanently classifies nitazene opioids as Schedule I controlled substances. This bill would define a broad chemical class called “2‑benzylbenzimidazole opioids,” list specific nitazene compounds, and set a timetable and process for the Attorney General to publish and implement rules.

Show full summary
  • Law enforcement and courts would treat substances that meet the bill’s definition as Schedule I and subject them to Schedule I requirements. This includes named compounds such as isotonitazene and etonitazene.
  • Researchers and clinicians would face clearer boundaries on which nitazene-type substances fall under Schedule I because the bill spells out structural features and specific named substances.
  • The Attorney General would have to publish a list of covered substances and issue implementing rules within 1 year. The bill allows interim final rules to take effect immediately and requires a final rule under the Administrative Procedure Act.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

New Schedule I for nitazene opioids

If enacted, this bill would make any amount of a 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioid (called a nitazene) a Schedule I drug. That includes salts, isomers, and similar chemicals that act on the mu-opioid receptor. The bill names examples like etonitazene and isotonitazene. Any substance temporarily scheduled under 21 U.S.C. 811(h) and covered here would become permanently Schedule I on the date of enactment. The Attorney General would be allowed to publish a Federal Register list of substances that meet the definition. Manufacturers, distributors, possessors, and researchers would face Schedule I rules and penalties.

Faster rule timeline for Attorney General

If enacted, the bill would require the Attorney General to write rules to implement this Act within one year after enactment. The Attorney General would be allowed to issue those rules as interim final rules that take effect right away without showing good cause. Any interim final rule would have to give interested persons a chance to comment and to request a hearing. After those proceedings end, the Attorney General would have to issue a final rule in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]

OH • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]

    WA • R

    Sponsored 3/27/2026

  • Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]

    OH • R

    Sponsored 3/27/2026

  • Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 4/9/2026

  • Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 5/13/2026

  • Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 6/30/2026

  • Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 7/13/2026

  • Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 7/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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