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Bill

SB 2307

Relating to creating the criminal offense of operating a premises for unlawful controlled substance consumption.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Tan Parker

Texas bill creates criminal offense for operating properties knowingly used for illegal drug consumption, holding owners/operators liable alongside users and dealers.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#crimes--drugs(i0185)
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Bill Summary · SB 2307

Legislative bill overview

SB 2307 would create a new criminal offense in Texas for operating a premises knowingly used for unlawful controlled substance consumption. The bill targets property owners or operators who allow their facilities to be used for drug consumption activities. This represents an expansion of existing drug-related criminal liability beyond individual users and dealers to include premises operators.

Why is this important

This legislation would hold property owners and managers legally accountable for drug activity occurring on their premises, potentially creating significant liability exposure for landlords, business owners, and venue operators. The bill could incentivize property owners to implement stricter monitoring and enforcement policies, but raises questions about the standard of knowledge required and enforcement fairness across different property types and neighborhoods.

Potential points of contention

  • Knowledge and liability standards: The bill's definition of "knowingly" could be subject to interpretation—does an owner need direct knowledge, or is suspicion sufficient? This could expose property owners to criminal liability based on circumstantial evidence.
  • Due process and property rights concerns: Critics may argue this law could criminalize property owners without adequate due process protections or clear legal standards for what constitutes sufficient knowledge of illegal activity.
  • Disparate enforcement risks: Law enforcement discretion in applying this offense could lead to unequal enforcement across different neighborhoods, creating concerns about fair application and potential discrimination.

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

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