This bill would add the class of 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids known as nitazenes to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act on a permanent, class-wide basis. The bill defines the class by structural features and by agonist activity at the mu-opioid receptor, and it lists several named substances (for example, etonitazene, isotonitazene, protonitazene). Any nitazenes that were temporarily scheduled under emergency authority would be treated as permanently scheduled when the bill takes effect. The bill also says that new research using these substances must follow existing registration and scheduling rules.
If enacted, materials, compounds, mixtures, or preparations that contain any amount of a nitazene would be treated as Schedule I controlled substances and be subject to the requirements that apply to Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act. That affects handling, possession, manufacture, distribution, and research involving these compounds; researchers must comply with registration and scheduling requirements.
No publicly available information on costs or budget effects in the bill text.
The bill states that nitazenes are highly potent synthetic opioids (some more potent than fentanyl), have appeared as designer drugs in the illicit supply, and have contributed to overdoses and deaths. Proponents argue a permanent, class-wide Schedule I listing will help prevent the quick appearance of new analogs, streamline enforcement, and protect public health. The bill also notes existing research pathways from the HALT Fentanyl Act apply.
No publicly available information on opponents' arguments or concerns in the bill text.