Texas Senate Bill SB331

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/12/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/28/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/30/11
• Refer: 2/14/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 3/28/11
• Voted on by House: 5/13/11
• Engrossed: 3/30/11
• Governor Action: 5/28/11
• Refer: 4/4/11
• Report Pass: 5/7/11
• Enrolled: 5/16/11
• Passed: 5/28/11

Caption

Relating to designating certain synthetic cannabinoids as controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; providing penalties and establishing certain criminal consequences or procedures.

Impact

The passage of SB331 is intended to align Texas law with the evolving landscape of synthetic drug use, which has increasingly become a public health concern. By categorizing these synthetic cannabinoids as controlled substances, the bill aims to provide law enforcement officials with the necessary tools to combat the distribution and possession of these substances more effectively. This legislative move is expected to discourage the manufacture and sale of these synthetic drugs, which have been linked to serious health issues and unpredictable effects on users.

Summary

SB331 aims to strengthen Texas drug laws by designating specific synthetic cannabinoids as controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. The bill introduces a new Penalty Group 2-A, which encompasses a variety of synthetic cannabinoid compounds. These are identified based on their structural similarities to naturally occurring cannabinoids, thus expanding the list of controlled substances to address the growing concerns surrounding synthetic drug use and its associated health risks.

Contention

While the bill received broad support for its goal of enhancing drug safety, some stakeholders raised concerns about the broader implications of reaching into synthetic drug legislation. Critics argued that such measures could potentially criminalize users who may not be fully aware of the compounds in their possession, especially in a landscape where many synthetic drugs are marketed deceptively. This dichotomy highlights an ongoing debate about the balance between law enforcement and public health, as well as the need for clear educational efforts regarding these substances.