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HB 291

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, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Morgan Meyer

Texas bill adds substances to controlled list, regulates kratom products, and increases civil/criminal penalties for violations and related offenses.

Filed
#business&commerce--general(i0050) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--drugs(i0185) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #health--general(i0385) #packaging&labelingrequirements(s0339) #safety(i0740)
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Bill Summary · HB 291

Legislative bill overview

HB 291 proposes to add certain substances to Texas's Controlled Substances Act while implementing specific regulations for kratom and kratom products. The bill increases civil penalties for violations and creates new criminal offenses, along with enhancing penalties for existing offenses.

Why is this important

Kratom, a plant-derived substance with opioid-like properties, has grown in popularity as a botanical supplement but remains largely unregulated in Texas. This legislation directly impacts the legal status and availability of kratom products in the state, potentially affecting thousands of consumers and retailers while also addressing broader controlled substance policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Kratom's regulatory status: Kratom is not currently a controlled substance under federal law, so Texas-specific criminalization could create conflicts with existing legal commerce and consumer access to a substance many use for pain management or opioid dependence
  • Scientific evidence debate: Medical and scientific communities remain divided on kratom's safety and efficacy, making it unclear whether prohibition versus regulation is the appropriate policy response
  • Enforcement and equity concerns: Enhanced criminal penalties and new offenses could disproportionately affect low-income communities and individuals already involved in the criminal justice system, particularly if combined with existing drug enforcement practices

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

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