Bill · H.R. 1561· House(119-HR-1561)
ALERT Communities Act
- Introduced
- 2/25/2025
- Last activity
- 7/21/2026 — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Jasmine Crockett
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ALERT Communities Act, focuses on research and the use of test strips to detect fentanyl and xylazine. It directs the training of first responders and community members on carrying and accessing these test strips. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with creating research and marketing frameworks to help develop and improve test strip technology. Additionally, the bill mandates a study on how the availability of drug checking supplies affects overdose rates and treatment engagement. Finally, the Secretary must submit a report on this study to Congress within two years.
Yes
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?+8
The bill enhances the response to the opioid crisis by providing training and technology to detect fentanyl and xylazine.
Does this put more money into medical research?+5
The bill directs research into drug testing technology and the impact of drug-checking supplies on overdose rates.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+5
The bill funds research into the effectiveness and availability of drug test strips.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
First Responder Training: Section 2 amends the Public Health Service Act to train and provide resources for first responders and community sectors to carry and facilitate access to fentanyl or xylazine test strips.
-
Improved Technology Development: Section 3 requires the development of research and marketing frameworks to help manufacturers develop, improve, and evaluate test strip technology for detecting fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
-
Clinical Decision-Making Support: Section 3(2) emphasizes bringing new technology to clinical settings to support on-site clinical decision-making.
-
Understanding Overdose Trends: Section 4 directs a study on how the availability and usage of drug checking supplies, such as test strips, impacts the frequency of overdoses, overdose deaths, and engagement in substance use disorder treatment.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+8Increases Research Funding+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- 7/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
- 7/20/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 6/25/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2/25/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Lance GoodenRepublican · Texas