Stop The Opioid Pill Presser and Fentanyl Act STOPP Act
If enacted, HB 9790 will enhance the regulatory framework surrounding pharmaceuticals by implementing mandatory registration for manufacturers and dealers associated with critical machinery. This will likely reduce the likelihood of illegal drug manufacturers exploiting these machines to produce dangerous substances, including fentanyl. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for tighter controls in the pharmaceutical supply chain, particularly in response to the opioid crisis. However, it may also pose challenges to legitimate manufacturers who must navigate increased regulatory requirements to comply with the new legislation.
House Bill 9790, known as the Stop The Opioid Pill Presser and Fentanyl Act (STOPP Act), seeks to amend the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to impose stricter regulations on certain machinery used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, specifically tableting and encapsulating machines. The bill emphasizes the need for oversight on critical parts of these machines that are essential in the production of controlled substances, thereby aiming to curb the distribution and misuse of opioids and related products. The legislation mandates that registrations be obtained for the manufacturing, importing, exporting, and dealing of such equipment, and establishes a National Pill Press Registry to track these activities.
The discussions surrounding HB 9790 may center on concerns about balancing regulatory oversight with the need for legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturers to operate effectively. Supporters argue that such regulations are essential for public health and safety, especially in light of rising addiction rates and overdose deaths attributed to opioid misuse. On the other hand, critics may assert that overregulating machinery could hinder innovation and negatively impact the pharmaceutical industry. The details regarding how the Attorney General will implement waivers for certain manufacturers and how the new registration processes will function are also likely to provoke debate among industry stakeholders.