HR 1734 United States House · 118th Congress

TRANQ Research Act of 2023

The TRANQ Research Act of 2023 requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to coordinate research on illicit drugs containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other concerning substances. The bill mandates NIST to develop faster detection methods, create data tools for identifying these substances, and consult with agencies like the DEA, CDC, and National Institute on Drug Abuse to establish safe handling practices. NIST must also form partnerships with universities, federal labs, and the private sector to improve detection capabilities. Within one year, NIST must report to Congress on its implementation, and the Comptroller General must conduct a study on federal capabilities to respond to new psychoactive substances, reporting within two years.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics: Substance Abuse

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2023

Committee Review

May 2023

House Passage

Dec 2023

Senate Passage

Jun 2023

Signed into Law

Dec 2023

Introduced Mar 23, 2023 Signed Dec 19, 2023

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed in House → Enrolled Bill · 7 edits

MODERATE

The Enrolled version of HR 1734 broadens the bill's scope by replacing 'emerging substances of concern in illicit drugs' with 'new psychoactive substances' throughout, removes references to 'illicit drugs' from several provisions, and significantly expands who NIST must consult (adding DEA, CDC, NIDA, State fusion centers, intergovernmental organizations, and others). A new Section 3 requires the GAO to conduct a two-year study of federal, state, and local capabilities to detect new psychoactive substances. The graduate research provision was softened from 'provide opportunities' to 'encourage...when practicable.'

SCOPE

The term 'emerging substances of concern in illicit drugs' was replaced with 'new psychoactive substances' throughout the bill, broadening the scope beyond illicit drugs to include any new psychoactive substance.

A new Section 3 requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a study evaluating the capabilities of Federal, State, and local agencies to detect and identify new psychoactive substances, including their technologies, timeframes, facilities, and federal grant programs. A report is due within 2 years of enactment.

The collaborative partnerships provision (subsection 4) was broadened from listing specific entity types to 'other government agencies and persons engaged in related research and development,' and added 'public health agencies' and 'intergovernmental organizations' as potential partners.

REQUIREMENT

The NIST convening requirement (subsection 3) was expanded to explicitly name DEA, CDC, NIDA, Federal laboratories, States and territories, State fusion centers, the private sector, intergovernmental organizations, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations as parties to consult with. 'Data-sharing' was added to the list of activities.

The graduate research provision was softened from requiring NIST to 'provide opportunities for graduate and postgraduate research on the detection and identification of xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other emerging substances of concern in illicit drugs' to merely 'encourage graduate and post-graduate research to include detection and identification of xylazine and other new psychoactive substances in relevant course studies when practicable.'

TECHNICAL

Definitions were reorganized from subsection (c) to subsection (a). The standalone 'NIST' definition was removed and replaced with an 'Institute' definition. Security controls language was modified to add 'as the Director considers appropriate and consistent with applicable provisions of law.'

The short title was updated to include 'of 2023' and the report section was renumbered from Section 3 to subsection (d) of Section 2.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Dec 19, 2023

Signed into law

Signed by President.

executive

Dec 4, 2023

Introduced

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6087-6088)

lower

Dec 4, 2023

Lower · Passed

Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6087-6088)

lower

Dec 4, 2023

Introduced

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1734.

lower

Dec 4, 2023

Introduced

Mr. Lucas moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H6087-6089)

lower

Jun 22, 2023

Upper · Passed

Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2250-2251)

upper

Jun 22, 2023

Upper · Passed

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2250-2251)

upper

May 11, 2023

Introduced

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 425 - 0 (Roll no. 212). (text: 5/9/2023 CR H2149)

lower

May 11, 2023

Lower · Passed

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 425 - 0 (Roll no. 212). (text: 5/9/2023 CR H2149)

lower

May 9, 2023

Introduced

Mr. Miller (OH) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

lower

May 5, 2023

Lower · Passed

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 118-50.

lower

Mar 29, 2023

Introduced

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 36 - 0.

lower

Mar 29, 2023

Lower · Passed

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

lower

Mar 23, 2023

Committee

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

lower

Mar 23, 2023

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 25 co-sponsors