Rep Lieu’s Bill to Prevent Fentanyl Overdoses Passes the House

September 15, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed Tyler’s Law , a bipartisan bill designed to prevent fentanyl overdoses in the United States. Introduced by Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Tyler’s Law requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to complete a study on how frequently hospitals test for fentanyl when a patient is experiencing an overdose. Based on these results, the bill instructs the HHS to issue guidance to hospitals on implementing fentanyl testing in emergency rooms. To this day, many emergency rooms do not include fentanyl in their drug screenings. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that does not show up on most rapid drug testing, which typically only includes marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). According to the HHS, fentanyl-related deaths have skyrocketed 103-fold in the United States from 1999–2023. Adding fentanyl testing to emergency room drug screenings could save countless lives. Tyler’s Law is named in memory of Tyler Shamash, a 19-year-old boy who died following a fentanyl ingestion in 2018. He was not tested for fentanyl after being brought to the hospital with a suspected overdose. His mother, Juli, is an advocate for this legislation and is sharing Tyler’s story to prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy. “I am so pleased that Tyler’s Law passed the House,” said Congressman Lieu. “No family should have to endure the devastating loss that Tyler’s family experienced, especially when a simple fentanyl test could save a life. It is a privilege to work alongside Juli, Rep. Latta, and Rep. Kamlager-Dove to honor Tyler’s memory and advance this important legislation.” "Today is an incredibly momentous day for my family and me. After losing my son Tyler, I never could have imagined that his story would one day help bring important change to emergency rooms across the country. Tyler’s Law is about giving doctors critical information and giving families a chance we didn’t have. I am deeply grateful to Congressman Ted Lieu, Congressman Bob Latta, and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove for their leadership and commitment to this legislation, to their dedicated staff, and to the advocates and organizations who have worked tirelessly to help move Tyler’s Law forward. My greatest hope is that Tyler’s legacy will be measured in lives saved and families spared the heartbreak that ours has endured,” said Tyler’s mother, Juli. Tyler’s Law is supported by American College of Emergency Physicians, Emergency Nurses Association, AIDS United, The National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association, The Partnership for a Healthy Iowa, Facing Fentanyl, Voices for Awareness, Project Eli, Song for Charlie, End Overdose, High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Sun Shine on You Foundation, Drug Awareness Foundation, VOID, Crime Stoppers of Houston, Victoria’s Voice, and Stop Drug Homicide. READ THE FULL BILL TEXT HERE Issues : Artificial Intelligence