Bill · H.R. 5023· House(119-HR-5023)
Fentanyl Kills Act
- Introduced
- 8/22/2025
- Last activity
- 8/22/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Fentanyl Kills Act," seeks to amend title 18 of the United States Code regarding attempted murder. It introduces a specific definition for the term "trafficked fentanyl" to include various illicit activities. These activities involve the production, sale, financing, or transport of illicit fentanyl, synthetic opioids, or their chemical precursors. The amendment also covers attempts or conspiracies related to these activities, including actions taken outside the United States with the intent to distribute the substances into the country. Most significantly, the bill mandates that any individual found to have trafficked fentanyl is legally deemed to have attempted to perpetrate murder.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?+7
The bill increases the legal severity of fentanyl trafficking to combat the synthetic opioid crisis.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+3
Targeting fentanyl trafficking may reduce the impact of the opioid crisis on vulnerable low-income populations.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+2
Reducing the trafficking of fentanyl can lead to safer urban environments frequently impacted by drug distribution.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-5
The bill significantly increases criminal penalties by legally equating fentanyl trafficking with attempted murder.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Legal Reclassification of Trafficking: By adding a new definition of "trafficked fentanyl" in Section 2, subsection (c)(7), the bill targets a wide range of illicit activities including production, distribution, and the handling of chemical precursors or active pharmaceutical ingredients.
-
Stricter Penalties for Traffickers: Under Section 2, subsection (d), any individual found to have trafficked fentanyl is deemed to have attempted to perpetrate murder. This means they are subject to the penalties outlined in subsection (b) of title 18, which applies to attempted murder.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Penalties for Illicit Activity: According to Section 2, subsection (d), individuals involved in the trafficking of fentanyl—as defined by the broad criteria in subsection (c)(7)—will be treated as if they have attempted to commit murder, subjecting them to the specific penalties found in subsection (b).
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+7
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Urban Residents+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-5
- 9/3/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/26/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/22/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
Michael BaumgartnerRepublican · Washington
Anna Paulina LunaRepublican · Florida
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama
Elise StefanikRepublican · New York
Claudia TenneyRepublican · New York
Robert WittmanRepublican · Virginia