HB 2695
AN ACT relating to the use of a social media platform in furtherance of an
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
This Texas bill increases criminal penalties for drug offenses when a social media platform is used to facilitate the delivery of controlled substances. If a defendant is found to have used a social media platform to help commit a drug delivery crime, their punishment will be elevated to the next higher offense category, with first-degree felonies receiving an additional five-year sentence. The law aims to deter drug trafficking through social media by imposing stricter legal consequences on offenders who leverage digital platforms for illegal drug distribution.
Bill Text
relating to the use of a social media platform in furtherance of an offense involving the delivery of a controlled substance; BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 481.142 to read as follows: Sec. 481.142. USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM FOR DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. (a) "Social media platform" has the meaning assigned by Section 120.001, Business & Commerce Code. (b) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under Section 481.112, 481.1121, 481.1123, 481.113, 481.114, 481.119, 481.120, or 481.122, involving the delivery of a controlled substance that the defendant used a social media platform in furtherance of the offense, the punishment for the offense is increased to the punishment prescribed by the next higher category of offense, except that the punishment for a felony of the first degree is increased by five years and the maximum fine for the offense is SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect at the time the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the use of a social media platform in furtherance of an
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.