The Texas Senate drew a line in the sand and dared Mexican drug cartels to cross it by passing a “Combating Fentanyl” bill Wednesday.
The legislation would open the door for state prosecutors to charge fentanyl dealers with murder.
Senate Bill 645 by State Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) brings to life one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s key legislative priorities.
While promoting the bill, Abbott warned that, once it is passed, prosecutors will be able to charge people who make, sell, and deliver fentanyl with murder.
“We have tragically learned the extent of how dangerous fentanyl is and how even under 1 gram is so dangerous,” Huffman said.
“It’s a fact that fentanyl is flooding our borders.
“It is absolutely, without a doubt killing our citizens on a daily basis.
“And it’s time that we take a comprehensive approach to combat this.
“So, to continue our efforts to keep this drug from hitting our communities, the committee substitute to Senate Bill 645 increases the penalty for manufacturing or delivery of less than 1 gram of fentanyl from a state jail felony to a third-degree felony.
“Furthermore, if an individual dies from a fentanyl overdose, the penalty would be enhanced to a second degree.
“Members, we’ve reached a critical point in the fentanyl crisis here in Texas.
“We have no choice but to take a comprehensive approach to what is going on.”
Abbott took to Twitter to celebrate the bill’s passage, saying:
“Here we go! You kill Texans with fentanyl. You get charged with murder.”
