TX
Texas House Bill HB3169

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3169

Caption

Relating to the substances listed in Penalty Group 2 under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 3169 would result in stricter penalties for the possession, distribution, and manufacture of newly classified substances. The introduction of these substances into controlled drug legislation empowers law enforcement to take action against a broader scope of illegal drugs. This bill reflects a state-level response to the evolving landscape of synthetically produced drugs, which pose unique challenges that traditional drug enforcement strategies may not adequately address. Should the bill pass, it would influence not only criminal law but could also have implications for public health and safety.

Summary

House Bill 3169 seeks to amend the definitions and substances listed within Penalty Group 2 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act. The bill aims to include several specific hallucinogenic and stimulant substances, reflecting a growing concern over new synthetic drugs entering the market that fall outside existing regulations. By doing so, the legislation intends to provide law enforcement with greater tools to combat drug abuse and trafficking related to these substances, which have been increasingly associated with illegal drug activity and public health issues.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill highlight a divide among stakeholders; proponents argue that the inclusion of new substances in the penalty group is necessary to protect public health and legal integrity regarding drug enforcement. However, opponents raise concerns about the potential for overreach, arguing that the rapid classification of new drugs without comprehensive studies undermines principles of personal freedom and could lead to unintended consequences, including increased incarceration rates for low-level drug offenses. As new substances emerge, there are calls for careful consideration of the relationship between drug policy and social justice issues.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB218

Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.

TX SB967

Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain offenses relating to the possession of marihuana, certain tetrahydrocannabinols, certain synthetic cannabinoids, and drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee.

TX HB3620

Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.

TX SB645

Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB6

Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning or fentanyl toxicity for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB520

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

TX HB753

Relating to removing criminal penalties for the possession of drug paraphernalia under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

TX HB369

Relating to the criminal penalty for possession of certain small amounts of controlled substances in Penalty Group 1 or 1-B.

TX HB4914

Relating to removing criminal penalties for possession of certain small amounts of controlled substances.

TX HB178

Relating to testing possible controlled substance evidence for a controlled substance included in Penalty Group 1-B.

Similar Bills

TX SB264

Relating to the addition of certain substances to Penalty Groups 1-A and 2 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act for criminal prosecution and other purposes.

TX SB172

Relating to the addition of certain substances to Penalty Groups 1-A and 2 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act for criminal prosecution and other purposes.

TX SB28

Relating to the addition of certain substances to Penalty Groups 1-A and 2 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act for criminal prosecution and other purposes.

TX HB595

Relating to the addition of certain substances to Penalty Groups 1-A and 2 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act for criminal prosecution and other purposes.

TX SB1867

Relating to the addition of certain substances to Penalty Group 2 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

TX HB2593

Relating to the criminal penalties for the possession of certain tetrahydrocannabinols under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

TX SB1646

Relating to the controlled substances listed in Penalty Groups 1, 2, and 2-A under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

TX SB1868

Relating to adding certain substances to the Texas Controlled Substances Act and regulating kratom and kratom products; increasing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.