Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota's bipartisan bill, the Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of (DETECT) Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, has successfully passed both chambers of Congress and is now headed to the President's desk for approval. The legislation aims to provide law enforcement with advanced tools and technologies to combat the influx of dangerous drugs in American communities.

"The passage of my bipartisan DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, by both the House and Senate, is a critical step in combating the devastating epidemic of illegal narcotics flooding into our country, tearing apart families and communities," said LaLota. "This legislation equips our dedicated Law Enforcement officers with the tools they need to fight these deadly drugs and protect American lives. I’m proud to see this bill advance to the President’s desk and urge its swift enactment into law. Now is the time to act decisively, prioritize public safety, and take bold steps to prevent further tragic and unnecessary loss of life."

The bill initially cleared the House on September 9th, 2024. After undergoing amendments in the Senate on December 12th, it returned for another vote in the House before proceeding to its current stage.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act introduces a new statutory responsibility for the Science and Technology Directorate at DHS. It mandates research efforts aimed at enhancing drug detection equipment used by various law enforcement agencies across federal, state, local, and tribal levels.

Key focus areas include developing portable detection equipment requiring minimal sample handling; technology capable of separating complex mixtures; and AI-driven solutions for identifying controlled substance analogs or emerging psychoactive substances not yet cataloged.

The Senate introduced amendments emphasizing collaboration between DHS's Science & Technology Directorate with DEA efforts while focusing on improving reference libraries' accuracy for drug detection.

Endorsements for this legislation come from several organizations including the National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association among others.