Fentanyl Kills Act

Overview: HR 5023, the "Fentanyl Kills Act", was introduced in the House on August 22, 2025.

Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to address the growing opioid crisis by enhancing penalties for the manufacture, distribution, and possession of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Key Provisions:
- Increases criminal penalties for the manufacture, distribution, and possession of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids
- Establishes mandatory minimum sentences for certain fentanyl-related offenses
- Expands the definition of "fentanyl-related substance" to include a broader range of synthetic opioids
- Authorizes additional funding for law enforcement, interdiction, and treatment programs to combat the opioid epidemic

Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Individuals involved in the manufacture, distribution, and possession of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids would face harsher criminal penalties
- Law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system would be impacted by the increased enforcement and prosecution of fentanyl-related crimes
- Individuals struggling with opioid addiction may be affected by the increased funding for treatment and recovery programs

Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been introduced in the House and is currently awaiting further legislative action.