Mandates the Comptroller General to conduct a study on online sales of fentanyl and methamphetamine, analyzing business models, supply chains, and logistics. Requires examination of the impact on individuals under 18 and federal efforts to combat these sales, including interagency and intergovernmental collaborations. Analyzes existing federal law enforcement procedures and outcomes over the past 10 years to identify patterns and improvement areas. Explores how providers use machine learning and other technologies to detect and combat sales of these substances on their platforms. Evaluates enforcement mechanisms by providers, such as user identification and account suspension. Requires assessment of referrals to the Federal Government from providers, including investigations and outcomes. Obligates submission of a report to Congress within one year detailing study findings and determinations.
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Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act
ETO AGORA · U.S. federal laws · 2024
Summary
Mandates the Comptroller General to conduct a study on online sales of fentanyl and methamphetamine, analyzing business models, supply chains, and logistics.
Requires examination of the impact on individuals under 18 and federal efforts to combat these sales, including interagency and intergovernmental collaborations.
Analyzes existing federal law enforcement procedures and outcomes over the past 10 years to identify patterns and improvement areas.
Explores how providers use machine learning and other technologies to detect and combat sales of these substances on their platforms.
Evaluates enforcement mechanisms by providers, such as user identification and account suspension.
Requires assessment of referrals to the Federal Government from providers, including investigations and outcomes.
Obligates submission of a report to Congress within one year detailing study findings and determinations.
Names the Act as the "Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act."
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act”.
Mandates GAO to study online fentanyl, meth sales, examining business models, government efforts, and enforcement mechanisms.
SEC. 2. GAO STUDY ON THE SALE OF ILLICIT DRUGS ONLINE. (a) Study.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the online sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine, including— (1) business models employed by online sellers of fentanyl and methamphetamine, including an examination of supply chains, logistics, and strategies utilized for customer acquisition, retention, and communication within illicit online marketplaces; (2) utilization of online illicit drug markets and providers (as defined in section 2258E of title 18, United States Code) for facilitating financial transactions in the online sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine, with a particular focus on their impact on individuals who are 18 years of age and younger; (3) efforts of the Federal Government to combat the online sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine, including— (A) interagency collaboration, including personnel detailed to other agencies to support efforts to combat the online trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and related illicit finance; (B) intergovernmental collaboration between the Federal Government and State, Tribal, local, and foreign governments; (C) intersectoral collaboration with the private sector, including businesses and non-governmental organizations; (D) examination of existing procedures followed by Federal law enforcement agencies in handling cases related to online sales of fentanyl and methamphetamine, encompassing the receipt, investigation, and prosecution processes; (E) analysis of aggregated outcomes from the past 10 years to identify patterns and areas for improvement; and (F) identification of gaps or resource deficiencies in coordinating and collaborating activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) to combat the online sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine; (4) models utilized by providers, including machine learning, algorithmic technology, and data analysis techniques, to effectively detect and combat the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine on their platforms; (5) enforcement mechanisms and processes employed by providers to penalize users involved in the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine, including user identification, verification procedures, and subsequent actions, such as account suspension, reporting to law enforcement agencies, and collaboration with legal proceedings; and (6) analysis of referrals to the Federal Government by providers detailing information about online sales of fentanyl and methamphetamine, including— (A) the number of referrals from providers to the Federal Government; (B) the number of referrals that were investigated by the Federal Government, including the agencies involved in the investigation and the outcome of the investigation; (C) the number of referrals that resulted in an arrest, prosecution, or conviction, including the offense of the arrest, prosecution, or conviction; and (D) the number of referrals that were shared by the Federal Government with a State, Tribal, or local government, including a law enforcement agency or prosecutor's office.
Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment.
(b) Report Required.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under subsection (a).