Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB652

Caption

Relating to the criminal penalties for delivery and possession of marihuana and citations given for those offenses.

Impact

If enacted, SB652 would modify current state laws to create more leniency for certain marihuana-related offenses. The existing framework of penalties, which previously categorized minor marihuana delivery and possession offenses as felonies, would see significant alterations. This change aims to align the legal repercussions with a more progressive understanding of marihuana use and possession, reflecting shifts in public opinion and legal practices across the country. The amendments include provisions for issuing citations rather than arrests for misdemeanor offenses, further indicating a move towards decriminalization of low-level marihuana offenses.

Summary

SB652 proposes significant changes to the criminal penalties associated with the delivery and possession of marihuana in the state of Texas. The bill amends various sections of the Health and Safety Code, specifying the penalties for different quantities of marihuana and the nature of the offenses. Notably, it introduces new classifications for misdemeanors and felonies based on the amount of marihuana, thereby restructuring the legal repercussions for offenders. Under this bill, offenses that previously incurred harsher penalties are adjusted, potentially reducing the severity of punishment for some individuals involved in minor marihuana offenses.

Contention

Despite its progressive intent, SB652 has sparked a variety of opinions among lawmakers and the public. Advocates argue that the bill is a step toward a more just criminal justice system, suggesting that it will lessen the burden on individuals who may otherwise face harsh penalties for minor offenses. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the bill may lead to increased marihuana use and could undermine public safety. Additionally, some law enforcement agencies have raised issues about the operational impacts of the proposed changes, questioning whether they would impede the ability to effectively manage marihuana-related offenses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB208

Relating to the criminal penalties for delivery and possession of marihuana and citations given for those offenses.

TX SB87

Relating to the criminal penalties for possession or delivery of marihuana concentrate.

TX HB127

Relating to the criminal penalties for possession or delivery of marihuana concentrate.

TX HB1374

Relating to the criminal penalties for possession or delivery of marihuana concentrate.

TX HB2446

Relating to the criminal penalties for possession of marihuana.

TX HB2601

Relating to the criminal penalties for possession of marihuana.

TX HB520

Relating to criminal penalties for possession offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

TX HB388

Relating to the criminal penalty for the possession of a small amount of marihuana.

TX HB2330

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

MI SB0807

Marihuana: other; individuals who are 19 years of age or older; allow to be employed by or volunteer for marihuana establishments. Amends title & secs. 4, 5, 10 & 11 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27954 et seq.).

MI HB4322

Marihuana: other; individuals who are 19 years of age or older; allow to be employed by or volunteer for marihuana establishments. Amends title & secs. 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 & 11 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 et seq.).

MI SB0180

Marihuana: other; tribal marihuana businesses; allow cannabis regulatory agency to contract with Indian tribes regarding the operation of. Amends secs. 3, 7, 8, 10 & 13 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0179'23

MI HB4430

Marihuana: other; safety information provided to consumers; modify. Amends secs. 3 & 8 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 & 333.27958).

MI HB5884

Marihuana: licenses; certain licenses for medical and recreational marihuana; modify. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9a, 11a, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 17 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27951 et seq.); adds secs. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 24a, 25, 26, 27 & 28 & repeals secs. 10, 11 & 16 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27960 et seq.).

MI HB6291

Marihuana: other; references to and regulation of industrial hemp under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act; amend. Amends secs. 3 & 8 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 & 333.27958).

MI HB6289

Marihuana: other; cross-references to industrial hemp research and development act within the medical marihuana facilities licensing act; amend. Amends title & secs. 102, 206, 502 & 505 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27102 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6288'24

TX HB439

Relating to the criminal penalties for possession or delivery of marihuana and marihuana concentrate.