Install
ALERT Communities Act
To require research with respect to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, to authorize the use of grant funds for such test strips, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- Committee
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became law
Summary
Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test strips for Communities Act or the ALERT Communities Act
This bill establishes programs and requirements to advance the development and usage of test strips that detect the presence of certain hazardous drugs (e.g., fentanyl, xylazine).
Currently, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides grants to government entities to train and provide authorized equipment to first responders and other relevant personnel for emergency treatment of opioid overdoses. The bill expands these grants to include rapid response test strips for detecting the presence of fentanyl, xylazine, and other synthetic opioids or emerging substances in people or within other drugs.
Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish guidance and standards for test strip manufacturers to support the development, evaluation, and authorization of test strips.
Also, HHS must conduct a study and report to Congress on how the availability and usage of test strips and similar equipment impacts the frequency of overdoses and participation in substance use disorder treatment.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.
Actions
- Jul 21, 2026 Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
- Jul 21, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jul 20, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jun 25, 2026 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Jun 25, 2026 Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Feb 25, 2025 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Feb 25, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Feb 25, 2025 Introduced in House
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