PRESS Act

Prevention of illegal drug production equipment: The bill makes it illegal to manufacture or distribute equipment like tableting machines, encapsulating machines, or press punches when there is intent or knowledge that they will be used to manufacture controlled substances or listed chemicals (Section 2(a)).

Combating unlawful importation: The provision targets those who intend, know, or have reasonable cause to believe that controlled substances or listed chemicals will be unlawfully imported into the United States (Section 2(a)).

Increased penalties for violations: The bill establishes specific prison terms for those manufacturing or distributing prohibited equipment, such as up to 8 years for violations of subsection (d) paragraph (8) (Section 2(b)).

Enhanced sentencing for large-scale operations: For violations involving more than 1,000 kilograms of a chemical or more than 100 machines, the bill allows for prison terms of not more than 15 years (Section 2(b)).

Increased prison sentences for specific violations: Individuals involved in the manufacture or distribution of certain chemicals or products could face up to 20 years in prison (Section 2(b)).

Changes to federal sentencing guidelines: The United States Sentencing Commission will be required to review and amend existing federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements to align with this new law (Section 2(c)).