Relating to the use, possession, delivery, or manufacture of testing equipment that identifies the presence of a substance listed in Penalty Group 1-B.
SB 362 exempts legitimate use of testing equipment that identifies serious drugs (like heroin or cocaine, listed in Penalty Group 1-B) from certain drug possession and distribution laws. It specifically clarifies that forensic labs, medical facilities, or other authorized entities using such equipment for testing purposes are not subject to penalties under Health and Safety Code Section 481.125. The bill applies only to offenses occurring on or after its effective date (September 1, 2025), leaving prior law in effect for past actions. This change directly affects laboratories and healthcare providers conducting drug testing, ensuring they can operate without unintended legal consequences.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 13, 2024
Last action Feb 3, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to Criminal Justice
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Sarah Eckhardt
DDemocratic
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