Bill · H.R. 830· House(119-HR-830)
SAFE Act
- Introduced
- 1/31/2025
- Last activity
- 1/31/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Chris Pappas
- Cosponsors
- - 14 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The SAFE Act aims to amend the Controlled Substances Act regarding fentanyl-related substances. It establishes a broad definition for these substances to include various chemical modifications and adds them to Schedule I. The bill updates penalty provisions for domestic and international drug offenses involving these substances. It also creates a process for the Secretary to evaluate removing or rescheduling specific substances from Schedule I. Additionally, the Act implements an expedited registration process for researchers working with Schedule I substances. Finally, it mandates a GAO report to analyze the impact of these permanent class scheduling changes.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?+5
The bill eliminates quantity-based mandatory minimum penalties for fentanyl-related substances and allows for sentence reductions for past cases.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+3
The bill streamlines and expedites the registration process for researchers working with Schedule I substances.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
The bill may lead to reduced sentences for individuals previously convicted of drug offenses involving fentanyl-related substances.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Sentence Reductions for Past Convictions: Courts may vacate or reduce sentences for individuals previously convicted of offenses involving fentanyl-related substances that have since been removed from Schedule I or moved to a less restrictive schedule. (Section 6)
-
Expedited Research Registration: Practitioners can conduct research more easily by sending a notice to the Attorney General instead of undergoing a full application process, which may happen as soon as 30 days after notice for those already registered. (Section 7)
-
Streamlined Research at Multiple Sites: Researchers can now conduct their work at multiple sites under a single registration if the sites are in the same city or county and under the same control. (Section 7)
-
Easier Manufacturing for Research: Researchers can perform small-scale manufacturing activities, such as creating extracts or oils, without needing a separate manufacturing registration. (Section 7)
-
Removal of Quantity-Based Mandatory Minimums: Fentanyl-related substances will not be subject to specific quantity-based mandatory minimum penalties established in certain parts of the Controlled Substances Act. (Section 2)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Expanded Criminal Penalties: The bill updates penalty provisions for domestic and import/export offenses, which could impact how certain mixtures or substances containing detectable amounts of fentanyl or its analogues are punished. (Section 3 and Section 4)
-
New Classification of Substances: Substances that meet the specific chemical definitions of "fentanyl-related" will be automatically treated as Schedule I substances unless specifically exempted or rescheduled. (Section 2)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+5Improves Racial Equity+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+2Good For Low Income Households+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- 11/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/6/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2025
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- 1/31/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ami BeraDemocrat · California
Nikki BudzinskiDemocrat · Illinois
Gerald ConnollyDemocrat · Virginia
Angie CraigDemocrat · Minnesota
Jason CrowDemocrat · Colorado
Gilbert CisnerosDemocrat · California
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Shomari FiguresDemocrat · Alabama
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Jennifer McClellanDemocrat · Virginia
Dan NewhouseRepublican · Washington
Johnny OlszewskiDemocrat · Maryland
Scott PetersDemocrat · California
Raul RuizDemocrat · California
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida