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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 7970· 119th Congress

Ban Nitazenes, Emerging Opioid Threat

STOP Nitazenes Act

Sponsor
Robert Latta (R-OH)
Introduced
Mar 18, 2026
Last Action
Jul 21, 2026
Passage
52%
Introduced
Mar 18, 2026
Committee
Jul 21, 2026
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Targets nitazenes, a synthetic opioid increasingly found in illegal drug supplies and linked to overdose deaths.
  • Likely classifies nitazenes as controlled substances to restrict manufacturing, distribution, and possession.
  • Coordinated approach: Energy and Commerce Committee (drug scheduling) and Judiciary Committee (enforcement) both reviewing the bill.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Public health officials and law enforcement gain tools to combat a fast-growing overdose driver.
  • Pharmaceutical companies face new compliance requirements for precursor chemicals and manufacturing.
  • People struggling with addiction gain access to treatment resources as emergency response evolves.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill cleared committee on a narrow 28-21 vote July 21 and awaits House floor scheduling.
  • Full chamber must vote; if passed, moves to Senate for identical approval before reaching the President.
  • Track progress and contact your representative via House.gov if this issue matters to you.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 21, 2026Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 21.
  • Jul 21, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Jul 20, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Jun 25, 2026Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
  • Jun 25, 2026Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Mar 18, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
  • Mar 18, 2026Referred 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.
  • Mar 18, 2026Referred 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.