Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · United States · House Jun 23, 2026

HR 9205: Protect Every Preschooler Act of 2026

The Protect Every Preschooler Act of 2026 expands the federal Gun Free School Zones Act to include early childhood education programs and preschools. This change directly affects firearm regulations by prohibiting the possession of guns in these specific educational settings, which were previously not explicitly covered under the law. The bill achieves this by amending the United States Code to add definitions for early childhood education programs and preschools to the list of protected areas. Consequently, individuals attempting to carry firearms into these locations would be subject to federal penalties under the existing gun-free zone provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens gun safety in early childhood settings by expanding prohibited possession zones, aligning with public safety and crime prevention goals.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects early childhood education settings by prohibiting firearms, enhancing safety and access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Early Childhood

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 4671: Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026

The Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory prison sentences and expands criminal penalties for firearm violations, restricting due process and enhancing punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Jun 8, 2026

HR 9186: Controlled Substances Act Clarification in Sciences Act of 2026

This bill clarifies how drugs are defined and scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act to better balance public safety with medical access. It updates legal definitions for terms like "accepted medical use," "dependence," and "abuse" to include scientific research and evidence-based evaluations from state medical regulators. Additionally, it requires the Attorney General to defer to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on scientific assessments and to consider a drug's potential benefits to society when deciding on its schedule. These changes directly affect how the federal government classifies substances and aims to ensure that scheduling decisions are based on rigorous science rather than solely on the potential for abuse.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by clarifying drug laws to balance public safety with medical access and incorporating scientific evidence.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill clarifies drug definitions to balance public safety with medical access and requires deferring to health officials on scientific assessments, improving patient access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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passed · United States · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SRES 704: A resolution supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2026, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people.

This Senate resolution designates April 29, 2026, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day to highlight the dangers of fake or counterfeit pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl. The bill aims to increase public awareness among families and young people about how drug traffickers exploit the opioid crisis by selling dangerous counterfeit pills that mimic legitimate prescription medications. By supporting this day, the Senate encourages law enforcement efforts to combat the spread of these illicit drugs and urges the public to recognize the severe risks associated with counterfeit pills found across all states.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes public awareness of fentanyl dangers, aiding law enforcement efforts to combat the opioid crisis and protect communities.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness of lethal counterfeit pills to combat the opioid crisis, indirectly supporting public health safety and patient protection.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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in committee · United States · Senate May 18, 2026

S 4553: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

This bill, known as the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, prohibits civilians from buying, owning, or possessing enhanced body armor. The law defines enhanced body armor as protective gear that meets or exceeds the ballistic resistance of RF1 armor, which includes certain helmets and shields. Exceptions are made for law enforcement officers, government agencies, and individuals who already legally owned such armor before the law takes effect. Violating this ban could result in a fine, up to five years in prison, or both penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civilian access to body armor, limiting self-defense capabilities and reducing protections for individuals against violent crime.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 17, 2026

S 4343: No Pensions for Congressional Predators Act

The No Pensions for Congressional Predators Act prevents members of Congress and certain territorial delegates from receiving federal retirement benefits if they are convicted of specific sexual crimes. This law directly affects current and former legislators by amending the rules for the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees' Retirement System. Under the bill, anyone convicted of offenses such as sexual abuse, child exploitation, possession of child sexual abuse material, or child trafficking after the law takes effect will be barred from these pensions. The measure applies only to acts or omissions occurring after its enactment date, ensuring that the penalty is tied to future behavior rather than past actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes retirement benefits for legislators convicted of sexual crimes, enhancing accountability and protecting victims.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 16, 2026

S 4339: Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2026

This federal legislation amends United States gun laws to restrict firearm sales, transfers, and possession, directly affecting individuals, licensed dealers, and law enforcement agencies. It introduces limits on handgun purchases, bans the sale of undetectable "ghost guns," and defines specific firearms as assault weapons that minors cannot possess. The bill establishes a national framework for extreme risk protection orders, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals posing a danger to themselves or others, and mandates firearm surrender for those subject to domestic violence restraining orders. Additional provisions require reporting lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours, prohibit leaving loaded guns accessible to children, and ban firearm possession in certain higher education and mental health facility zones. The act authorizes federal grants to states and local governments to help implement these safety measures and train law enforcement officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill aims to reduce gun violence by restricting firearm sales and establishing extreme risk protection orders, directly strengthening public safety and criminal justice outcomes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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passed · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 8535: Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act

This bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to improve internal coordination among agencies responsible for detecting and stopping illicit fentanyl trafficking. It mandates that these components share relevant data and information with each other while identifying any obstacles to effective collaboration. Furthermore, the Secretary must establish performance metrics to measure the department's success in fentanyl detection, deterrence, and seizure. All these actions must be completed within one year of the bill's enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement coordination and mandates performance metrics to improve detection and seizure of illicit fentanyl, directly supporting criminal justice efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · United States · House May 12, 2026

HR 8766: Deal Death, Face Death Act

This bill, known as the Deal Death, Face Death Act, modifies federal drug laws to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of distributing fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances if the use of those drugs results in a death. Currently, the Controlled Substances Act allows for life imprisonment in cases where drug use causes death or serious injury, but this legislation specifically targets fentanyl by mandating capital punishment for such outcomes. The law also increases maximum fines for these offenses, raising the limit for individuals to $2 million and for organizations to $10 million. Directly affecting drug traffickers and distributors, the bill aims to strengthen penalties for the distribution of synthetic opioids by adding a specific provision that triggers the ultimate punishment when fatalities occur.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates death penalty for fentanyl distribution, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · United States · House Sep 16, 2026

HR 8005: Stop Pills That Kill Act

The Stop Pills That Kill Act targets counterfeit pills containing fentanyl or methamphetamine that are sold under the branding of legitimate prescription medications. It expands federal criminal penalties to specifically include these counterfeit substances and requires the Drug Enforcement Administration to create a comprehensive plan within 180 days to improve law enforcement investigations and public education efforts. The bill also mandates annual reports to Congress detailing seizure data, prosecution statistics, and prevention measures related to counterfeit pills. These provisions aim to enhance federal response to the distribution of fake prescription pills while maintaining existing legal frameworks.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement capabilities by expanding federal penalties for counterfeit pills and requiring DEA to create investigation and education plans, directly supporting criminal justice efforts.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens public health by targeting counterfeit pills containing dangerous substances like fentanyl, protecting patients from harm and improving law enforcement efforts against counterfeit medications.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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