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Bill

HB 227

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.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Morgan Meyer

Texas bill adds substances to controlled list, regulates kratom sales, and increases criminal penalties for drug-related offenses.

Filed
#alcoholism&drugabuse(i0030) #business&commerce--general(i0050) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--drugs(i0185) #drug&alcoholtesting(s0010) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #health--general(i0385) #packaging&labelingrequirements(s0339) #safety(i0740)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 227

Legislative bill overview

HB 227 proposes to add certain substances to Texas's Controlled Substances Act and establishes regulatory frameworks for kratom and kratom products. The bill also increases civil penalties for violations and creates new criminal offenses related to controlled substance activities, along with enhancing existing criminal penalties.

Why is this important

This bill would significantly expand Texas's drug enforcement landscape by potentially classifying new substances as controlled and establishing how kratom—a botanically-derived substance increasingly popular in the US—is regulated and sold. The expansion of criminal offenses and increased penalties could affect individuals involved with these substances and businesses selling kratom products, while also impacting law enforcement resources and prosecution priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Kratom's legal status: Kratom is legal federally but has inconsistent state-level treatment; classifying it as controlled would contradict current federal policy and conflict with states allowing its sale
  • Vague substance definitions: The bill's reference to "certain substances" without specification makes it unclear which compounds would be criminalized, creating uncertainty for businesses and consumers
  • Penalty escalation: Increased criminal and civil penalties could result in disproportionate consequences depending on which substances are added and how enforcement is prioritized
  • Medical vs. recreational use: The bill doesn't clearly distinguish between medical applications and recreational use for either new substances or kratom products

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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