Legis Daily

STOP Nitazenes Act

USA119th CongressHR-7970| House 
| Updated: 3/18/2026
Robert E. Latta

Robert E. Latta

Republican Representative

Ohio

Cosponsors (6)
Michael Baumgartner (Republican)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)James R. Baird (Republican)David P. Joyce (Republican)August Pfluger (Republican)Tracey Mann (Republican)

Judiciary Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation seeks to permanently classify 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, commonly known as nitazenes , as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. It amends Section 202(c) of the Act to include these substances, subjecting them to the strictest regulatory controls due to their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. The bill provides a comprehensive definition for "2-benzylbenzimidazole opioid," encompassing substances that are structurally related with specific chemical modifications, those exhibiting agonist activity at the mu-opioid receptor , and explicitly listing several known nitazenes like etonitazene and metonitazene. Crucially, the bill mandates that any nitazenes previously subject to temporary scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act will be deemed permanently scheduled as Schedule I substances upon the bill's enactment. To ensure effective implementation, the Attorney General is directed to issue rules within one year, which may include an interim final rule that becomes immediately effective. This interim process will still provide an opportunity for public comment and a hearing before a final rule is established.
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Timeline
Mar 18, 2026
Introduced in House
Mar 18, 2026
Referred 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.
  • March 18, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • March 18, 2026
    Referred 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.

Crime and Law Enforcement

STOP Nitazenes Act

USA119th CongressHR-7970| House 
| Updated: 3/18/2026
This legislation seeks to permanently classify 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, commonly known as nitazenes , as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. It amends Section 202(c) of the Act to include these substances, subjecting them to the strictest regulatory controls due to their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. The bill provides a comprehensive definition for "2-benzylbenzimidazole opioid," encompassing substances that are structurally related with specific chemical modifications, those exhibiting agonist activity at the mu-opioid receptor , and explicitly listing several known nitazenes like etonitazene and metonitazene. Crucially, the bill mandates that any nitazenes previously subject to temporary scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act will be deemed permanently scheduled as Schedule I substances upon the bill's enactment. To ensure effective implementation, the Attorney General is directed to issue rules within one year, which may include an interim final rule that becomes immediately effective. This interim process will still provide an opportunity for public comment and a hearing before a final rule is established.
View Full Text

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Timeline
Mar 18, 2026
Introduced in House
Mar 18, 2026
Referred 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.
  • March 18, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • March 18, 2026
    Referred 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.
Robert E. Latta

Robert E. Latta

Republican Representative

Ohio

Cosponsors (6)
Michael Baumgartner (Republican)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)James R. Baird (Republican)David P. Joyce (Republican)August Pfluger (Republican)Tracey Mann (Republican)

Judiciary Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted