BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1936 89R13941 RDR-F By: Hinojosa, Juan "Chuy" Criminal Justice 4/4/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Under current law, the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 481.002, defines an "abuse unit" for Penalty Group 1-A substances, such as LSD, based on how the substance is applied to the carrier medium, typically blotter paper. If the paper is perforated or marked, each individual square is considered one abuse unit. However, if the paper is not perforated or marked, the law defines an abuse unit as each quarter-inch square section of paper, requiring labs to manually measure and count the dimensions of the sheet. This approach introduces inconsistency in lab analysis and can complicate prosecution, as officers and forensic experts must estimate dosage units based on the physical size of unmarked paper. S.B. 1936 addresses these issues by amending Section 481.002 to redefine an "abuse unit" using a weight-based standard, bringing greater scientific precision to the definition. As proposed, S.B. 1936 amends current law relating to the definition of an abuse unit for certain controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 481.002(50), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "abuse unit." SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1936
89R13941 RDR-F By: Hinojosa, Juan "Chuy"
Criminal Justice
4/4/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1936
89R13941 RDR-F
By: Hinojosa, Juan "Chuy"
Criminal Justice
4/4/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Under current law, the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 481.002, defines an "abuse unit" for Penalty Group 1-A substances, such as LSD, based on how the substance is applied to the carrier medium, typically blotter paper. If the paper is perforated or marked, each individual square is considered one abuse unit. However, if the paper is not perforated or marked, the law defines an abuse unit as each quarter-inch square section of paper, requiring labs to manually measure and count the dimensions of the sheet.
This approach introduces inconsistency in lab analysis and can complicate prosecution, as officers and forensic experts must estimate dosage units based on the physical size of unmarked paper.
S.B. 1936 addresses these issues by amending Section 481.002 to redefine an "abuse unit" using a weight-based standard, bringing greater scientific precision to the definition.
As proposed, S.B. 1936 amends current law relating to the definition of an abuse unit for certain controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 481.002(50), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "abuse unit."
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.