Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB87

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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

Impact

Should SB87 be enacted, its changes to the Health and Safety Code will primarily affect how marihuana concentrate is treated under state law. By establishing specific thresholds for different categories of criminal offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, the bill not only modifies penalty scales but also aims to clarify the legal framework surrounding marihuana concentrate. This could lead to a better understanding of what constitutes lawful versus unlawful possession or delivery, influencing law enforcement practices and judicial outcomes.

Summary

SB87 is a legislative proposal that revises the criminal penalties associated with the possession and delivery of marihuana concentrate in Texas. The bill redefines marihuana to include marihuana concentrate explicitly and proposes adjustments to the classification of offenses based on the quantity possessed or delivered. Through these modifications, the bill seeks to align the legal repercussions of marihuana concentrate with those of broader marihuana possession, implying a shift towards more nuanced enforcement of drug laws in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB87 appears to be mixed, as the discussions reflect a blend of support and concern among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents suggest that the bill offers a more coherent legal structure for dealing with marihuana concentrate, potentially leading to fairer application of justice. However, concerns have been raised regarding the implications for communities that may feel the repercussions of stricter penalties, as well as the ongoing debate over drug policies in the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the potential expansion of criminal penalties associated with marihuana concentrate. Critics question whether the revised penalties could disproportionately impact marginalized communities and whether they represent a regression in efforts towards reforming drug laws. Such discussions highlight the broader context of drug policy in Texas, where educational and health considerations are often weighed against punitive measures.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substances Act
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 120
    • Section: 121

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB127

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

TX HB1374

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

Similar Bills

TX HB439

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

TX SB151

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

TX HB1374

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 HB848

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

TX SB760

Relating to the prosecution of and criminal penalties for the possession of marihuana concentrate; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3772

Relating to the criminal consequences of certain criminal offenses involving the possession of marihuana or possession of drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee; authorizing a fine.

TX SB1175

Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences of certain criminal offenses involving the possession or delivery of marihuana and cannabis concentrate or possession of drug paraphernalia; imposing a fee; authorizing a fine.