Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act

House Bill

H.R. 4272

119th Congress

Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jul 2, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Lauren Underwood

Representative

Democratic

IL-14

Cosponsors

44

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary

This bill aims to address the growing problem of fentanyl and related substances. It expands programs to train teachers on how to use overdose reversal drugs, increases resources for law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, and provides funding for addiction treatment programs. It also increases criminal penalties for adulterating or misbranding drugs that cause serious injury or death, while exempting the possession of fentanyl test strips from criminal penalties.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

SponsorLauren Underwood (D-IL)

Introduced7/2/2025

StatusReferred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

ChamberHouse

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Vote Prediction

Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act

This bill aims to address the growing problem of fentanyl and related substances. It expands programs to train teachers on how to use overdose reversal drugs, increases resources for law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, and provides funding for addictio

Community Breakdown

Pass

0%

Fail

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0 predictions

This bill aims to address the growing problem of fentanyl and related substances. It expands programs to train teachers on how to use overdose reversal drugs, increases resources for law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, and provides funding for addiction treatment programs. It also increases criminal penalties for adulterating or misbranding drugs that cause serious injury or death, while exempting the possession of fentanyl test strips from criminal penalties.

Bill Number: 4272
Sponsor: Lauren Underwood (D-IL)
Introduced: 7/2/2025
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Policy Area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act
Bill Number: 4272
Sponsor: Lauren Underwood (D-IL)
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced: 7/2/2025
Summary: This bill aims to address the growing problem of fentanyl and related substances. It expands programs to train teachers on how to use overdose reversal drugs, increases resources for law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, and provides funding for addiction treatment programs. It also increases

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill aims to address the growing problem of fentanyl and related substances. It expands programs to train teachers on how to use overdose reversal drugs, increases resources for law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, and provides funding for addiction treatment programs. It also increases criminal penalties for adulterating or misbranding drugs that cause serious injury or death, while exempting the possession of fentanyl test strips from criminal penalties.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Stop Fentanyl Now Act of 2023 This bill establishes several programs and requirements to address the use of fentanyl and related substances.For example, the bill expands the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program in the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include training and resources for teachers on how to carry and administer opioid overdose reversal drugs (e.g., naloxone). DOJ must also increase resources and establish an interagency task force for law enforcement agencies to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, fentanyl-related, and fentanyl-laced substances. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must develop a national strategy to prevent the use of these substances, award grants to state and localities for treatment programs for those who are addicted to these substances, and research the health effects of these substances. The bill also increases criminal penalties for adulterating or misbranding drugs if the violation results in serious bodily injury or death (imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for violations that result in serious bodily injury, and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $5 million, or both for violations that result in death). Penalties are higher for violations that include the intent to defraud or mislead. The bill adds up to 5 years of additional imprisonment if the violation involves drugs that are promoted or sold online. Furthermore, the bill exempts the possession, sale, or purchase of fentanyl drug testing equipment, including test strips, from criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Expands opioid abuse grant program to include training for teachers on using overdose reversal drugs
Increases resources and creates an interagency task force for law enforcement to combat fentanyl trafficking
Provides funding for state and local addiction treatment programs
Increases criminal penalties for adulterating or misbranding drugs that cause serious harm or death
Exempts the possession of fentanyl test strips from criminal penalties

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would primarily impact teachers, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and individuals struggling with substance abuse. It aims to save lives by expanding access to overdose reversal drugs and treatment programs, while also cracking down on the illicit drug trade. The increased penalties could deter some drug crimes, but may also have unintended consequences that should be considered.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Subjects

Civil actions and liability

Criminal procedure and sentencing

Drug trafficking and controlled substances

Drug, alcohol, tobacco use

Elementary and secondary education

Health promotion and preventive care

Higher education

Intergovernmental relations

Law enforcement administration and funding

Medical research

+1 more

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

4272, 119th Congress (2025). "Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-4272

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