Bill · S. 3228· Senate(119-S-3228)
SIMSA Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 11/20/2025
- Last activity
- 11/20/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Chuck Grassley
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish a new category of regulated drugs called Schedule A.
Schedule A applies to imported or offered-for-import substances that have a chemical structure and central nervous system effect similar to existing scheduled drugs.
The Attorney General is given the power to temporarily or permanently add substances to Schedule A to help prevent abuse.
The legislation sets specific criminal penalties for importing, exporting, or falsely labeling Schedule A substances.
It also outlines registration requirements for people handling these substances for approved research, analytical, or industrial purposes.
Finally, the bill allows individuals serving prison terms for Schedule A offenses to petition for a sentence reduction if the substance is later descheduled or moved to a lower penalty schedule.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill specifically targets imported or offered-for-import synthetic drug analogues, enhancing controls at international borders.
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?+4
The bill establishes regulatory controls and scheduling for synthetic drug analogues, which can aid in combating illicit synthetic drug abuse.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands federal authority by granting the Attorney General broad powers to temporarily and permanently schedule new substances.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-4
The legislation imposes severe criminal penalties, including up to 20 years or life imprisonment for certain violations involving Schedule A substances.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-3
Temporary scheduling orders issued under the legislation are exempted from judicial review, raising due process concerns.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Sentencing Relief for Individuals: Under Section 8, individuals who are awaiting sentencing or serving a prison term for a Schedule A offense can petition the court for a sentencing reduction hearing if the substance involved is later descheduled or moved to a schedule with lower penalties. This gives people a fair chance at a reduced sentence if the official classification of the substance changes.
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Protection for Ongoing Research: Under Section 6, individuals who are already conducting research on a substance at the time it is added to Schedule A are allowed to continue their research while their registration application is processed. This protects scientific work and prevents legitimate researchers from being immediately shut down.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Severe Criminal Penalties: Under Section 4, a violation involving a Schedule A substance carries a prison sentence of not more than 20 years, or life imprisonment if death or serious bodily injury results. This places a heavy burden and harsh punishment on individuals convicted under these provisions.
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Strict Labeling Requirements and Fines: Under Section 5, it is unlawful to import or export a Schedule A substance without clearly labeling it using the nomenclature of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Violating this rule can result in penalties and fines for individuals and organizations.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+2Good For Young Adults+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Due Process-3
- 11/20/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Joni ErnstRepublican · Iowa
Maggie HassanDemocrat · New Hampshire
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire