ALERT Communities Act
Sponsored By: Representative Crockett
Introduced
Summary
Creates rules and community supports to expand use of fentanyl and xylazine test strips. It would push HHS to train first responders and community groups, set standards for test-strip technology, and study whether drug checking reduces overdoses.
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- First responders and community organizations would get a duty to train and resources to carry and help others access fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
- The Department of Health and Human Services would develop research and marketing frameworks for test-strip makers in consultation with NIH, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the FDA, and the DEA.
- The law would emphasize test strips for clinical, on-site decision making and explain available authorization pathways for those devices.
- HHS must study the effect of drug checking supplies on overdose frequency, overdose deaths, and engagement in substance use disorder treatment and report to Congress within two years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal roadmap for fentanyl test strips
HHS would develop and release public frameworks for test strip technology that detects fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. HHS would consult NIH, the drug policy office, FDA, and DEA. The frameworks would set standards for makers, guide clinical use on human specimens, and explain authorization paths. The bill would define a "test strip" as a rapid, single‑use test for drugs in a sample or human specimen.
Training on fentanyl test strips for responders
If enacted, agencies would need to train first responders and community workers on fentanyl and xylazine test strips. They would also provide resources so responders can carry the strips and help people get them. This would start upon enactment.
National study of drug checking tools
HHS would study how drug checking tools, including test strips, affect overdoses and treatment. The study would look at availability, access, and use. HHS would send a report to Congress within 2 years of enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Crockett
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.
View on Congress.gov