The legislation permanently reclassifies fentanyl as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Other drugs with Schedule I classification, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), include heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy and peyote.

Senators emerged from a hearing on the fentanyl epidemic in agreement about permanently categorizing the drug and related opioids with the highest possible classification days before one such bill on the topic is scheduled for a vote.