Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Americans from Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2022
Description: Protecting Americans from Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2022 This bill permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. The temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act expires on February 18, 2022.
Sponsors: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved in the manufacture, distribution, or regulation of fentanyl-related substances
Estimated Size: 10000000
- Fentanyl-related substances are widespread and contribute to a significant portion of opioid overdoses worldwide.
- Law enforcement and regulatory agencies will have permanent authority to curb illegal distribution and trafficking of fentanyl analogs.
- Individuals involved in the illegal manufacture, distribution, or use of fentanyl-related substances will be subject to stricter legal penalties.
- Law enforcement positions and resources might require adjustment to enforce new regulations globally.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a relatively small but impactful portion of the population involved with fentanyl-related substances, including users, distributors, law enforcement, and health care workers.
- Given the scope of the issue, a range of perspectives is critical—those directly affected by fentanyl, those in law enforcement, and those in support services.
- Budgets are limited, especially in the first year, which may restrict initial enforcement and support program implementations until additional funds become available.
Simulated Interviews
Recovering addict (Ohio)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this bill will reduce the availability of fentanyl, helping others avoid the trap I fell into.
- The permanent classification might also mean more resources for rehabilitation and prevention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Healthcare worker (New York)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a step in right direction; it could help us reduce the cases of overdose we see daily.
- However, we need more support in terms of resources to deal with the trauma and wellness of care providers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
DEA Agent (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This move strengthens our ability to act decisively against traffickers.
- More resources might be required for regional offices to adapt to changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Nonprofit worker (California)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could potentially bring more attention and resources to the opioid crisis.
- We hope it doesn’t just focus on punishment but also on rehabilitation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Fentanyl distributor (Georgia)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This law will make it much harder to operate as penalties increase.
- The risks are high, and many might reconsider involvement in trafficking.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 2 |
Pharmacist (Colorado)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this bill addresses illegal substances, there's a need for better tracking of legal prescriptions too.
- It's a positive step, but comprehensive strategies are needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Law Student (Virginia)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The law seems harsh but necessary in some cases; however, we should look at more preventive measures.
- I worry about the implications for civil liberties and rehabilitation focus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Police Officer (Alaska)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation should strengthen our capacity to combat opioid trafficking.
- There might be challenges in reallocating resources to enforce it effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Public health official (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is an important step but must be accompanied by health-focused interventions and support systems.
- We need balance between criminalization and health-centric approaches.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
College Student (Indiana)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From what I've learned, addressing the root causes and socio-economic factors is crucial.
- I hope this policy leads to better community support and education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $72000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $34000000, High: $74000000)
Year 5: $58000000 (Low: $37000000, High: $77000000)
Year 10: $65000000 (Low: $41000000, High: $83000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $120000000)
Key Considerations
- Effective enforcement is crucial to minimizing illicit trade and maximizing public safety.
- Law enforcement training and adaptation to the new regulations will be necessary.
- Monitoring impacts on healthcare systems and public health is vital to assess overall policy effectiveness.