Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and the local regulation of licensed cannabis growers, cannabis establishments, cannabis testing facilities, and cannabis secure transporters; providing for expunction of records relating to certain decriminalized conduct; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Carol Alvarado and 5 co-sponsors

Texas SB 31 establishes legal cannabis regulation with licensing, testing, taxation, and record expunction for decriminalized conduct.

Filed

#alcoholicbeveragecommission #texas(v0472) #comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #criminalrecords(s0008) #crimes--drugs(i0185) #expunctionofrecords(s0189) #elections--general(i0310) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #ethics(i0345) #fees&othernontaxrevenue--state(i0362) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #hemp(s0907) #identificationcards(s0074) #interimstudies(i0448) #marihuana(s3105) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #packaging&labelingrequirements(s0339) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #politicalsubdivisions(i0588) #propertyinterests--landlord&tenant(i0610) #statefinances--appropriations(i0746) #statefinances--management&control(i0748) #texasregulationofcannabisact(pq06i)

Legislative bill overview

SB 31 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for legal cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, processing, and sales in Texas, including licensing requirements for growers and distributors, testing standards, and taxation. The bill also provides for expunction of criminal records related to certain cannabis offenses that would be decriminalized under this framework.

Why is this important

This represents a significant shift in Texas cannabis policy, potentially moving the state from prohibition toward regulated legalization. Implementation would affect criminal justice records for thousands, create a new legal industry with tax revenue, and establish consumer safety standards through testing requirements—while triggering substantial enforcement and regulatory infrastructure costs.

Potential points of contention

Federalism conflict: Cannabis remains federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act, creating tension between state legalization and federal law enforcement priorities

Local control vs. state preemption: The bill's treatment of local regulation authority over cannabis establishments could create conflicts between municipal and state-level governance

Tax rate and revenue allocation: The taxation mechanism's specifics and how revenue is distributed (enforcement, public health, education, etc.) will be politically contested

Expunction scope: Questions about which prior convictions qualify for record clearing and whether retroactive application creates fairness concerns

Implementation timeline and regulatory burden: Establishing licensing systems, testing facilities, and secure transport networks requires substantial resources and regulatory capacity