PRESS Act

New criminal rules for pill-press sellers

If enacted, the bill would make it illegal to make or sell tableting machines, encapsulating machines, press punches, die systems, gelatin capsules, or related equipment or materials when the seller intends or knows they will be used to manufacture a controlled substance or listed chemical and the seller intends, knows, or has reasonable cause to believe the drug will be unlawfully imported into the United States. People or businesses convicted would face fines under Title 18 and prison time. Maximum prison terms would include up to 20 years when a List I chemical is involved, up to 15 years for large cases (over 1,000 kilograms of chemical or product or over 100 machines), up to 10 years for some violations, and up to 8 years for others. The bill would also direct the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and update federal sentencing guidelines to reflect these changes.