ALERT Communities Act
Latest action (21 Jul 2026): Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
What this bill does
The ALERT Communities Act would expand federal efforts related to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, which are used to detect dangerous substances in drugs or in human specimens. It amends existing public health law to add training and resource support for first responders and other community members on carrying and providing access to these test strips. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services, working with agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the FDA, and the DEA, to create public research and marketing frameworks to help manufacturers develop and improve test strip technology, including guidance on regulatory pathways. Additionally, HHS must study how the availability and use of drug-checking supplies like test strips affect overdose rates, overdose deaths, and engagement in substance use treatment, reporting results to Congress within two years of enactment.
The bill primarily affects first responders, community organizations, public health agencies, and test strip manufacturers, as well as individuals who use or are affected by substance use, by potentially increasing access to and improving detection tools for dangerous drug adulterants.
Introduced in February 2025 by Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has since been "Ordered to be Reported" by a 48-0 vote in July 2026, indicating committee approval. The next step would be consideration by the full House of Representatives.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official 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.
Timeline
21 Jul 2026
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1561 do?
- The ALERT Communities Act would expand federal efforts related to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, which are used to detect dangerous substances in drugs or in human specimens. It amends existing public health law to add training and resource support for first responders and other community members on carrying and providing access to these test strips. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services, working with agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the FDA, and the DEA, to create public research and marketing frameworks to help manufacturers develop and improve test strip technology, including guidance on regulatory pathways. Additionally, HHS must study how the availability and use of drug-checking supplies like test strips affect overdose rates, overdose deaths, and engagement in substance use treatment, reporting results to Congress within two years of enactment. The bill primarily affects first responders, community organizations, public health agencies, and test strip manufacturers, as well as individuals who use or are affected by substance use, by potentially increasing access to and improving detection tools for dangerous drug adulterants. Introduced in February 2025 by Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has since been "Ordered to be Reported" by a 48-0 vote in July 2026, indicating committee approval. The next step would be consideration by the full House of Representatives.
- Has H.R. 1561 become law?
- Not yet. As of 21 Jul 2026, H.R. 1561 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1561?
- H.R. 1561 was sponsored by Rep. Jasmine Crockett [D-TX30] (Democrat-TX), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1561?
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0. (21 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Health
Expressing support for the designation of September 22, 2026, as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and recognizing the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as the leading organization representing and advocating for Hispanic nurses.
Recognizing the importance of protecting continuous Medicaid coverage for individuals undergoing active cancer treatment.
Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act
Expressing support for the designation of the third week of September as “Fungal Disease Awareness Week” and encouraging efforts to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and prevention of fungal diseases in the United States.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.