Texas House Bill HB1719

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the penalties for the possession of small amounts of Penalty Group 1 controlled substances and marihuana.

Impact

The changes proposed by HB1719 include downgrading certain offenses from felony to misdemeanor classifications, thereby reducing the severity of penalties for individuals found in possession of small quantities of marihuana. For instance, the bill specifies that possession of less than one gram would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor rather than a state jail felony. This shift is intended to alleviate some of the burden of incarceration for minor offenses and reflects an evolving perspective on drug policy.

Summary

House Bill 1719 addresses the penalties associated with the possession of small amounts of controlled substances, specifically focusing on Penalty Group 1 substances and marihuana. This legislation proposes amendments to the existing code in relation to how various levels of possession of these substances are classified and penalized. The bill outlines the specific weights of marihuana that correlate with different classes of misdemeanors and felonies, seeking to clarify and potentially soften the repercussions for lower amounts of possession.

Contention

Discussion around HB1719 may reveal notable points of contention, particularly regarding the implications for public health and safety versus criminal justice reform. Supporters advocate for the bill as a step towards reforming outdated drug laws that disproportionately penalize individuals for minor offenses, while critics might argue that such measures could undermine efforts to control substance abuse and trafficking. Overall, the legislative discussions surrounding HB1719 highlight the ongoing debate about drug policy and its effects on society.