88R1535 LHC-D
 
  By: Murr H.B. No. 178
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to testing possible controlled substance evidence for
  fentanyl.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 38, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended by adding Article 38.51 to read as follows:
         Art. 38.51.  EVIDENCE TESTING FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. If
  evidence that may be a controlled substance is submitted to a
  laboratory for testing and it is reasonably possible that the
  substance is or contains fentanyl, a test must be performed
  following validated laboratory procedures and sampling protocols
  to determine whether the substance is or contains fentanyl.
         SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
  to evidence submitted for testing on or after the effective date of
  this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.