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H.R. 8194House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

Civil Justice for Victims of International Fentanyl Trafficking Act

Sponsored by Jackie WalorskiRep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN)
Introduced June 22, 2022

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 8, 2026 at 4:18 PM UTC

The bill removes foreign sovereign immunity for certain foreign governments in U.S. civil lawsuits when fentanyl trafficking from those states causes death or injury in the United States. It lets victims sue foreign states for money damages if a reckless act by a defined “covered person” contributed to the trafficking. The change applies to federal courts and also permits states to bring such actions on behalf of their residents.

Key Provisions

  • Adds a new Section 1605C that strips immunity from foreign states in cases seeking damages for fentanyl‑related death or injury.
  • Defines “covered person” as an unlawfully present alien, a foreign opioid trafficker identified under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act, or a significant trafficker named under the Kingpin Act.
  • States that mere negligence by a foreign state is not enough to trigger jurisdiction; reckless conduct must be shown.
  • Gives exclusive jurisdiction to U.S. federal courts for these actions and allows the Attorney General to intervene to seek a stay of the case.
  • Allows courts to stay a proceeding for up to 180 days (extendable by another 180 days) if the Secretary of State certifies good‑faith diplomatic talks.
  • Permits any state, on its own or for its citizens, to file a civil action in federal court under the new rule, and applies retroactively to conduct before enactment.

Legislative Activity

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3 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee

November 1, 2022

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

June 22, 2022

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

June 22, 2022

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

November 1, 2022

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee

November 1, 2022

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued June 22, 2022

I

117th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 8194

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 22, 2022

Mrs. Walorski introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To amend title 28, United States Code, to strip foreign sovereign immunity of certain foreign states to secure justice for victims of fentanyl overdoses in the United States.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Civil Justice for Victims of International Fentanyl Trafficking Act .

2.

Responsibility of foreign states

(a)

Responsibility

Chapter 97 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1605B the following:

1605C.

Responsibility of foreign states for death or injury from international fentanyl trafficking in the United States.

(a)

Responsibility of foreign states

A foreign state shall not be immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States in any case in which money damages are sought against a foreign state for death or physical injury to a person caused by fentanyl use or exposure that occurs in the United States following any reckless action of a covered person, that caused or substantially contributed to the unlawful trafficking of fentanyl from the foreign state into and within the United States.

(b)

Covered person defined

In this section, the term covered person means—

(1)

an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States;

(2)

a foreign opioid trafficker, as identified in the report submitted under section 7211(a) of the Fentanyl Sanctions Act; or

(3)

a significant foreign narcotics trafficker, as identified in the report submitted under subsection (b) or (h)(1) of section 804 of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

(c)

Rule of construction

A foreign state shall not be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States under subsection (a) on the basis of an omission or act that constitutes mere negligence.

(d)

Exclusive jurisdiction

The courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction in any action in which a foreign state is subject to the jurisdiction of a court of the United States under subsection (a).

(e)

Intervention

The Attorney General may intervene in any action in which a foreign state is subject to the jurisdiction of a court of the United States under subsection (a) for the purpose of seeking a stay of the civil action, in whole or in part.

(f)

Stay

(1)

In general

A court of the United States may stay a proceeding against a foreign state if the Secretary of State certifies that the United States is engaged in good faith discussions with the foreign state defendant concerning the resolution of the claims against the foreign state, or any other parties as to whom a stay of claims is sought. In exercising its discretion under this subsection, the court shall balance the interests of the United States with the interests of the plaintiffs in a timely review of their claims.

(2)

Duration

(A)

In general

A stay under this section may be granted for not more than 180 days.

(B)

Extension

(i)

In general

The Attorney General may petition the court for an extension of the stay for additional periods not to exceed 180 days.

(ii)

Recertification

A court may grant an extension under subparagraph (A) if the Secretary of State recertifies that the United States remains engaged in good faith discussions with the foreign state defendant concerning the resolution of the claims against the foreign state, or any other parties as to whom a stay of claims is sought. In choosing whether to grant an extension, the court shall balance the interests of the United States with the interests of the plaintiffs in a timely review of their claims.

(g)

Enforcement by state attorneys general

Any State, on its own behalf or on behalf of the citizens or residents of the State, may bring a civil action in a district court of the United States under the circumstances described in subsection (a). Nothing in this Act may be construed to prevent a State from exercising its powers under State law.

.

(b)

Applicability

Section 1605C of title 28, United States Code, as added by such subsection (a), shall apply to any conduct occurring before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act.

(c)

Technical and conforming amendment

The table of sections for chapter 97 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1605B the following:

1605C. Responsibility of foreign states for death or injury from international fentanyl trafficking in the United States.

.