Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act
Summary
The "Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act" (H.R. 5744) mandates a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the online sale of illicit drugs, specifically fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and methamphetamine. The study aims to analyze business models, financial transactions, federal government efforts, provider models, enforcement mechanisms, and referrals related to online drug sales.
The bill requires the GAO to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment, detailing the study's findings and determinations. The focus includes interagency, intergovernmental, and intersectoral collaboration, as well as the impact on individuals 18 years of age and younger.
The Act seeks to identify gaps and resource deficiencies in combating online drug sales and to improve the effectiveness of current strategies.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to a comprehensive GAO report on online drug sales, which could inform future legislation and enforcement strategies. It may also lead to increased collaboration between federal, state, local, and private entities in combating online drug trafficking.
Increased awareness and understanding of online drug sales could lead to more effective prevention and intervention programs, particularly for young people. The study's findings could also influence the development of new technologies and strategies for detecting and combating online drug sales.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced understanding of online drug sales and related business models.
- Improved interagency and intergovernmental collaboration in combating online drug trafficking.
- Development of more effective prevention and intervention strategies, especially for young people.
- Identification of gaps and resource deficiencies in current efforts.
- Potential for new technologies and strategies to detect and combat online drug sales.
Potential Disadvantages
- The study itself may require significant resources and time.
- The report's findings may not lead to immediate or effective action.
- Increased regulation and enforcement could potentially impact individual privacy.
- The focus on online sales may divert resources from other important areas of drug enforcement.
- The study's recommendations may be difficult or costly to implement.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including the sale of illicit drugs online. The Act also indirectly relates to the General Welfare Clause, as it aims to address a public health and safety issue.
However, the Act's potential impact on individual privacy and due process should be carefully considered to ensure compliance with the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. The study's data collection and analysis methods should be transparent and subject to appropriate oversight to protect individual rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).