Bill > HB1644

This bill amends the Texas Health and Safety Code to create an exception to existing drug-related laws by explicitly allowing the use, possession, delivery, or manufacture of testing equipment designed to identify substances in Penalty Group 1-B or xylazine. Penalty Group 1-B typically includes substances like heroin and other opioids, while xylazine is a veterinary sedative that has increasingly been found in the illicit drug supply. The bill essentially provides legal protection for individuals who possess or use drug testing equipment, which could be interpreted as a harm reduction measure aimed at helping people identify potentially dangerous substances and prevent overdoses. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and will not retroactively affect previous offenses. By creating this legal exception, the bill appears to support efforts to reduce drug-related harm by enabling safer substance identification methods without criminal penalties.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1644