This bill is called the "DETECT Nitazenes Act of 2026." It directs the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate to work with the Drug Enforcement Administration to develop greater capacity to detect, identify, and disrupt illicit substances such as nitazenes at very low concentrations. The bill also amends section 302(15) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add "nitazenes" to a list that already names fentanyl and xylazine.
If the bill becomes law, DHS Science and Technology would be required to collaborate with the DEA on improving tools and methods to find and identify nitazenes at low concentrations. The bill does not describe specific programs, timelines, or who would build or use the technology. The bill was introduced March 19, 2026, and has been referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology. Sponsors named in the text are Representatives Pfluger, Vindman, and Baumgartner.
No publicly available information on estimated costs, funding sources, or appropriations is included in the bill text.
The bill text indicates sponsors want federal science and law enforcement teams to expand their ability to detect and identify nitazenes in very low concentrations by directing DHS Science and Technology to work with the DEA and by explicitly adding nitazenes to the statutory list in section 302(15).
No publicly available information on opposition, critiques, or alternative views is included in the bill text or provided metadata.