Texas House Bill HB2704

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study on the use of portable testing equipment to identify synthetic drugs.

Impact

The establishment of the task force, as detailed in HB2704, could significantly impact how law enforcement agencies approach the detection and prosecution of synthetic drug-related offenses. By studying the accuracy, cost, and judicial admissibility of portable testing devices, the task force's findings could lead to recommendations for legislation that would empower officers with better tools for identifying synthetic drugs on the spot. This may result in increased efficiency in handling drug-related incidents and could potentially influence broader drug enforcement strategies in the state.

Summary

House Bill 2704 is focused on establishing a task force to study the use of portable testing equipment for identifying synthetic drugs. The bill defines various terms related to synthetic substances, such as 'abusable synthetic substance' and 'synthetic controlled substance', outlining a clear scope for the task force's investigation. The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of equipping law enforcement with these portable testing devices, which could enhance their ability to respond to incidents involving synthetic drugs.

Contention

While the bill is intended to assist law enforcement, there may be concerns regarding the accuracy and legal admissibility of results derived from these portable devices. Critics could argue that reliance on portable testing might lead to wrongful accusations or erroneous detentions if the devices are not proven reliable. Additionally, the task force's composition, appointed by various state officials, may raise questions about the objectivity and comprehensiveness of the study, as it depends on a narrow selection of appointed members rather than a broad representation of stakeholders from the community or drug policy experts.