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119-s-477119th Congress

Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Kennedy, John [R-LA]

Introduced

Summary

Lowers the fentanyl quantity thresholds that trigger mandatory minimum federal prison sentences. The bill would sharply cut the amounts that bring mandatory minimums and also require the Postal Service to step up chemical screening and staff to interdict illegal shipments.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Lower fentanyl quantity thresholds

If enacted, this bill would lower the amounts of fentanyl and related substances that trigger federal penalties. It would change 400 to 20 and 100 to 5 in one clause, and 40 to 2 and 10 to 0.5 in another. The same reductions would apply to import and export rules. The bill would also add the words "scheduled or unscheduled" before "analogue of" to widen coverage. These changes would take effect upon enactment.

Fast review of fentanyl sentencing rules

If enacted, the bill would direct the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend guidelines for fentanyl offenses under federal law. The Commission must publish any required guideline changes no later than 120 days after enactment. The Commission may use an emergency procedure and make conforming changes to other guidelines as needed.

Fund USPS fentanyl interdiction

If enacted, the bill would authorize $9,000,000 for the Postal Service to buy chemical screening devices and hire staff and scientists. The Postmaster General would have to increase devices and make additional devices available as needed for mail and express shipments. The Postmaster General would also have to dedicate staff, including scientists, to interpret data during all operational hours to help stop illegal fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kennedy, John [R-LA]

LA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]

    SC • R

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]

    WV • R

    Sponsored 2/6/2025

  • Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 2/11/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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