Bill Overview
Title: Stop Pills That Kill Act
Description: This bill increases criminal penalties for offenses relating to the manufacture of fentanyl or counterfeit substances. It also establishes requirements for federal agencies to address the use of counterfeit substances. Specifically, the bill applies an increased criminal penalty for possessing, manufacturing, or distributing certain equipment or materials that are used to illegally manufacture fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, or a counterfeit substance (the increased penalty is currently limited to offenses involving methamphetamine). The bill also requires the United States Sentencing Commission to review sentencing guidelines and amend them, if appropriate, to include an enhanced penalty for those who knowingly misrepresent counterfeit pills that have fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, or methamphetamine as legitimate pills. The Drug Enforcement Administration must establish and implement a plan to address counterfeit fentanyl or methamphetamine substances through law enforcement action and education and prevention efforts. In addition, the Department of Justice must annually report on the collection of counterfeit fentanyl or methamphetamine substances by law enforcement and on related prosecutions.
Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or affected by the distribution and misuse of fentanyl or counterfeit substances
Estimated Size: 1500000
- The bill specifically targets individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing, distributing, or possessing substances like fentanyl, its analogues, or counterfeit substances.
- Fentanyl is a significant public health concern due to its role in overdose deaths globally.
- The legislation's intent is to mitigate the opioid crisis, affecting the wellbeing of those suffering from addiction and their families.
- By increasing penalties, it creates a deterrent effect potentially targeting those involved in the illegal drug trade.
- The bill also includes measures for federal agencies to orchestrate law enforcement action and preventative education efforts regarding counterfeit substances.
Reasoning
- The target population mostly consists of those involved with the illegal manufacturing, distribution, or possession of fentanyl and counterfeit substances.
- However, secondary impacts are expected to affect communities where such drug activities are prevalent, including families who have members struggling with addiction.
- Given the budget constraints, the program's reach might be limited in breadth and depth, functioning heavily within certain high-impact locations.
- Since law enforcement is a major aspect of the policy, individuals within heavily patrolled or identified drug-zone areas may have heightened encounters with law enforcement, influencing their views and wellbeing.
- Educational interventions might lead to increased awareness but could face resistance in distribution or effectiveness due to skepticism or mistrust among the target audience.
Simulated Interviews
Former factory worker (West Virginia)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think increasing penalties might make people scared to deal, but addicts will always find a way to get what they need if nothing else changes.
- Rehabilitation and support have been crucial for my recovery more than fear of jail time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Law enforcement officer (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill could make a real difference if it's enforced properly. We need the resources and support for these initiatives to tackle the root of the problem.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Pharmacist (Ohio)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tougher punishment could help, but what we really need is better tracking and control from the source.
- Educational initiatives will help professionals like me spot counterfeit medications sooner.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College student (New Hampshire)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this will push dealers out of our communities, but we really need more recovery programs.
- Loss like mine is devastating and extends beyond just penalties for dealers.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Small business owner (Indiana)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this can help rebuild communities if effectively managed.
- I worry if harsh penalties without other support might just isolate who need help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Community organizer (Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Education and prevention are key. Penalties alone cannot fix systemic issues.
- I hope the policy's education funds are utilized properly in communities like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More needs to be done to protect young people. Grandparents like me are just doing what we can.
- Increasing penalties hopefully deters some, but each case needs more care and understanding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Healthcare worker (New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see firsthand the destruction caused by drugs like fentanyl.
- A comprehensive approach beyond penalties is necessary for real change.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
High school teacher (Kentucky)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing counterfeit distribution could make our schools safer.
- However, tackling addiction requires more than relying on punitive actions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
High school student (Arizona)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope it makes a difference, and people think twice about taking and selling these drugs.
- We need more support and places to turn for help, not just punishment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $31000000, High: $73000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $32000000, High: $76000000)
Year 5: $56000000 (Low: $33000000, High: $79000000)
Year 10: $60000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $85000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $150000000)
Key Considerations
- Effectiveness of deterrence and education efforts will heavily influence cost savings.
- Coordination among various federal agencies such as the DEA and DOJ will be crucial for successful implementation.
- The impact on state and local law enforcement costs is not directly accounted for but could be significant.
- Public perception and support for increased penalties and mandatory reporting are vital for compliance and success.