State of Texas Archives: on Drugs
Jasmine Crockett:
Expand medical marijuana use for cancer, PTSD
Support Summary by Houston Public Media (9/2/21): Thousands more Texans can now be prescribed medical cannabis oil with low levels of THC, the ingredient that gets people high. House Bill 1535 expands the state's compassionate use program
to people with any type of cancer and those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. The law also doubled the THC limit allowable under the program from 0.5% to 1%. Opposition Summary by KWTX-10 (6/15/21):
The measure falls short of what many advocates had hoped for. Its sponsor said on the House floor that her counterparts in the Senate were unwilling to budge including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick]. A Patrick spokesperson said the Lt. Gov. is "strongly opposed
to weakening any laws against marijuana."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-0-0 on May/25/21; passed House 119-25-1 on May/28/21; State Rep. Jasmine Crockett co-sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/21.
Source: KWTX-10 on Texas State Legislature voting records HB1535
May 28, 2021
Greg Abbott:
Expand medical marijuana use for cancer, PTSD
Support Summary by Houston Public Media (9/2/21): Thousands more Texans can now be prescribed medical cannabis oil with low levels of THC, the ingredient that gets people high. House Bill 1535 expands the state's compassionate use program
to people with any type of cancer and those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. The law also doubled the THC limit allowable under the program from 0.5% to 1%. Opposition Summary by KWTX-10 (6/15/21):
The measure falls short of what many advocates had hoped for. Its sponsor said on the House floor that her counterparts in the Senate were unwilling to budge including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick]. A Patrick spokesperson said the Lt. Gov. is "strongly opposed
to weakening any laws against marijuana."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-0-0 on May/25/21; passed House 119-25-1 on May/28/21; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/21.
Source: KWTX-10 on Texas State Legislature voting records HB1535
Jun 15, 2021
Ben Carson:
Marijuana is a starter drug; keep barriers to hedonism
Ben Carson, the neurosurgeon in the field, told Fox News in 2014: "I think medical use of marijuana in compassionate cases certainly has been proven to be useful. But recognize that marijuana is what's known as a gateway drug.
It tends to be a starter drug for people who move onto heavier duty drugs--sometimes legal, sometimes illegal--and I don't think this is something that we really want for our society.
You know, we're gradually just removing all the barriers to hedonistic activity and you know, it's just, we're changing so rapidly to a different type of society and nobody is getting a chance to discuss it because, you know, it's taboo.
It's politically incorrect. You're not supposed to talk about these things."
Source: PolitiFact Texas fact-checking on 2016 presidential hopefuls
Oct 28, 2015
Beto O`Rourke:
Long-time advocate for marijuana legalization
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Ted Cruz (R): Personally opposed to legalization, but states should choose for themselves.
Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Long-time legalization advocate. Sponsored bill to end federal prohibition.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Beto O`Rourke:
1998 drunk driving: arresting officers say he tried to flee
The former police officer who arrested Beto O'Rourke for driving drunk in 1998, along with the sergeant who signed the incident report, both say they believe now what they reported at the time: that O'Rourke tried to leave the scene of the wreck he
caused.O'Rourke admits he was intoxicated and says there is no justification for his actions, but he has denied that he tried to flee. "Beto's DWI is something he has long publicly and openly addressed over the last 20 years at town halls, on the
debate stage, during interviews and in Op-Eds, calling it a serious mistake for which there is no excuse," said an O'Rourke spokesman. "This has been widely and repeatedly reported on."
[The original police report asserted], "The defendant/driver
then attempted to leave the scene. The [police officer] then turned on his over head lights to warn oncoming traffic & to try to get the defendant to stop. When I made contact with the driver, defendant was unable to be understood due to slurred speech."
Source: Texas Tribune on 2020 presidential hopefuls
Apr 24, 2019
Brian Babin:
Mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs
Babin indicated the following positions concerning illegal drugs.- Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
- Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
- Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug
traffickers.
- Require drug testing for federal employees in sensitive positions.
- Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances, including inhalants and commercially available pills.
Source: Texas Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Supports the legalization of marijuana
As Senator, Cristina would support the legalization of marijuana, as well as efforts to address the long-term harm done in
communities of color such as expunging records of those with low-level marijuana offenses.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
Deirdre Gilbert:
Community-based alternatives instead of mandatory minimums
We've seen back door legislation that alter rules, deter lawsuits by punishing injured Americans by requiring them to pay corporate attorneys' fees if jury award a significantly lower settlement, bar injured Americans from getting any damages
from corporations whose products injure them, allow doctors who have histories of alcohol and drug abuse, rape, sexual assault, and murder to practice medicine, with no legal recourse.
Back door legislation interferes with our criminal system by increasing time served for drug offenses through mandatory minimum sentencing, creating barriers to alternatives to prison such
as community-based corrections programs, making it a felony to steal from retail establishments, regardless of the value of the property stolen.
Source: 2022 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website gilbert4gov.com
Sep 22, 2022
Emily Sanchez:
Legalize marijuana
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Never legalize marijuana"?
A: I support legalization of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes.
Source: E-mail interview on Texas 2014 Senate race with OnTheIssues
Sep 21, 2014
George Pataki:
Let's see what happens in Colorado with legalization
Colorado voters in 2012 resoundingly approved a proposal legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults. Some candidates say the federal government should crack down in states that have legalized adult possession. Other hopefuls say let the states
experiment. Former New York Gov. George Pataki said in 2014: "I am not in favor of legalizing marijuana, but having said that I am a great believer that states are the laboratory of democracy." He added: "Let's see what happens" in Colorado.
Source: PolitiFact Texas fact-checking on 2016 presidential hopefuls
Oct 28, 2015
Greg Abbott:
Respond to the evil threat posed by drug cartels
When it comes to our state's responsibilities, our first and foremost obligation is to protect our citizens' safety. We cannot be naive to the threat posed by drug cartels, transnational gangs and human smuggling and traffic operations.
In the face of such evil, we cannot respond with apathy, but resolve.We will not fail my fellow Texans. We will do what the federal government has failed to do. We will secure our border.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Texas Legislature
Feb 17, 2015
Greg Abbott:
More drug testing for unemployment insurance applicants
We write to you today in support of H.J. Res. 42, your legislation that would disapprove of the US Department of Labor's recent regulation regarding states' ability to drug test individuals who apply for unemployment insurance (UI).
Congress authorized the Labor Department to craft a rule that would provide states the option to drug test unemployment insurance applicants. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration drafted the rule too narrowly, undermining the intent of
Congress and permitting drug testing in too few instances.
Drug testing UI applicants can help individuals suffering from substance abuse to access necessary care and treatment so they may re-enter the workforce as healthy and productive members of
society. We believe this rule should be replaced with a new rule that allows increased flexibility for states to implement UI drug testing that best fits the needs of each state. We look forward to working with Congress on this issue going forward.
Source: 2018 Texas Governor campaign press release
Feb 10, 2017
Joaquin Castro:
Strengthen sentences for drug-related crimes
Castro indicates support of the following principles regarding crime & drugs.- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
-
Strengthen sex-offender laws.
- Support the restriction of the sale of products used to make methamphetamine (e.g. tablets containing pseudophedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine).
Source: Texas 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2006
John Cornyn:
Legal pot causes similar attitudes to other illegal drugs
Advocates of pot use note that 14 states have passed decriminalization laws, and 16 states and the District of Columbia permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Texas is not one of those states, and it is not likely to be one soon, said Sen.
John Cornyn (R-TX)."I would be surprised if it has much in the way of public support, which would be the biggest obstacle, since I doubt the members of the Texas Legislature would take this matter up and pass it," Cornyn said.
There is no companion legislation in the Senate, but Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he would join House colleagues in opposing similar measures.
Cornyn said he worries that decriminalization,
medical usage and removing marijuana laws from federal enforcement is a slippery slope "where a similar attitude would be embraced with regards to other illegal drugs and dangerous substances."
Source: The Weed Blog on 2014 Texas Senate race
Jul 20, 2011
MJ Hegar:
Absolutely for legalizing marijuana, expunging records
Hegar said the ongoing ban on cannabis "only boosts cartel profits."
"I am absolutely for legalizing marijuana. I think we should be expunging the records of those who have been incarcerated for such.
Source: The Marijuana Moment on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
Paul Sadler:
Strengthen drug penalties; also strengthen rehabilitation
Sadler supports the following principles concerning drugs. - Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
-
Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
- Lower the limit defining drunk driving to .08 blood alcohol content.
Source: Texas State 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Pete Gallego:
Criminalize "doctor-shopping" to obtain prescription opiates
Excerpts from Sponsor's Statement of Intent: The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health issue and the increasing diversion of prescription drugs is a cause for concern. One of the causes of diversion is doctor shopping--
where a patient actively seeks doctors who will prescribe certain types of medications, usually opiates, depressants, and stimulants. Fifteen other states currently have legislation that specifically addresses the problem. S.B. 158 creates criminal
penalties for patients who visit multiple practitioners and do not disclose that they are already receiving controlled substances. In other words, a person commits an offense if they have intent to obtain controlled substances that are not medically
necessary for the person using misrepresentation or concealment.Legislative outcome: Rep. Gallego co-sponsored the bill on Nov. 8, 2010, and voted to adopt House conference report on May 29, 2011; signed by Gov. Perry on June 17, 2011.
Source: Texas legislative voting records: SB158
Nov 8, 2010
Randy Weber:
Keep marijuana possession criminalized
Q: Should the possession of small amounts of marijuana be decriminalized?A: No.
Q: Do you support a ban on smoking in public places?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support a ban on the use of trans fats in restaurants?
A: No.
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
A: Yes.
Source: Texas Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Republican Party:
No legalization of drugs, no decriminalization of pot
Substance Abuse & Addiction: Platform Section 147. Addiction: We oppose legalization and decriminalization of illicit natural and/or illegal synthetic drugs, and we support the exercise of a zero-tolerance policy with maximum penalty for illegal drug
manufacturers and distributors. We also oppose any needle exchange programs.Platform Section 148. Cannabis Classification: Congress should remove cannabis from the list of Schedule 1 and move to Schedule 2.
Source: Texas Republican Party: Final Report from Platform Committee
Jun 16, 2022
Rick Perry:
Fight cross-border violence as part of drug war
We should continue our investment in border security because the threat of cross-border violence has only grown, as the drug wars escalate.
I don't raise the issue of border security as a criticism of our neighbors to the south, but to show our resolve and unity in the struggle, as they deal with a wave of violence unlike anything outside of the world's war zones.
Source: 2011 Texas State of the State Address
Feb 8, 2011
Rick Perry:
Protect the border from drug traffickers
The best plan to secure our border involves intensive operations with federal, state and local officials working together to seal off common illegal crossings.We have caught drug traffickers and human smugglers off guard and reduced crime in remote
border regions.
That is why I ask you to fund a $100 million effort that will expand patrols, purchase new technology and protect the border from drug traffickers, human smugglers and other criminal thugs that seek to destroy our way of life.
Source: Texas 2007 State of the State address
Feb 6, 2007
Rick Perry:
Criminalize "doctor-shopping" to obtain prescription opiates
Excerpts from Sponsor's Statement of Intent: The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health issue and the increasing diversion of prescription drugs is a cause for concern. One of the causes of diversion is doctor shopping--
where a patient actively seeks doctors who will prescribe certain types of medications, usually opiates, depressants, and stimulants. Fifteen other states currently have legislation that specifically addresses the problem. S.B. 158 creates criminal
penalties for patients who visit multiple practitioners and do not disclose that they are already receiving controlled substances. In other words, a person commits an offense if they have intent to obtain controlled substances that are not medically
necessary for the person using misrepresentation or concealment.Legislative outcome:House conference report adopted on May 29, 2011; signed by Gov. Perry on June 17, 2011.
Source: Texas legislative voting records: SB158
Jun 17, 2011
Rick Santorum:
Marijuana is a controlled substance for a reason
Colorado voters in 2012 resoundingly approved a proposal legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults as did voters in Washington state. Two years later, voters in Oregon, Alaska and Washington, D.C. embraced similar changes.
Some candidates say the federal government should crack down in states that have legalized adult possession.
Former Sen. Rick Santorum said in April that "Colorado is violating the federal law. And if we have controlled substances, they're controlled substances for a reason.
The federal law is there for a reason, and the states shouldn't have the option to violate federal law. As Abraham Lincoln said, you know, states don't have the right to wrong."
Source: PolitiFact Texas fact-checking on 2016 presidential hopefuls
Oct 28, 2015
Sema Hernandez:
Legalize marijuana; would bring in tax revenue
Science has continually proven that the consumption of marijuana produces no adverse effects on individual health. Marijuana is an excellent pain reliever and can be used for a variety of medical purposes. I support the decriminalization and subsequent
legalization of marijuana throughout the United States. No one should be thrown in jail for smoking a joint, and no cancer patient should be subject to prosecution for using marijuana to relieve pain. Legalization would bring in tax revenue.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Steve Stockman:
AdWatch: Arrested for drug possession in 1977
Article entitled "Stockman traveled from aimless youth to halls of Congress; religion saved him from 'colorful' past":The congressman said he was ticketed so often he had to spend a weekend in jail more than once. "I was out partying, just like you
were or any other kid, and you'd get busted for a thing and you'd do a weekend in jail for a traffic violation," Stockman said. "So I may have been in jail a couple of times, two or three times." He said he could not remember exactly.
The Michigan
Department of State keeps driver records only seven years, so Stockman's are no longer available. One of his jail weekends led to a drug charge. On Sept. 23, 1977, when Mr. Stockman was 20, he reported to the Madison Heights City Jail to serve two days.
The records state that an officer "found, in doing a strip search, that Stockman had 3 Valium tablets 10mg each. Subject stated that his girlfriend had given them to him to take while serving his sentence." The charge was later dropped.
Source: Dallas Morning News AdWatch re: 2014 Texas Senate race
Jun 11, 1995
Ted Cruz:
Opposed to marijuana legalization, but let states choose
Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Ted Cruz (R): Personally opposed to legalization, but states should choose for themselves.
Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. Long-time legalization advocate. Sponsored bill to end federal prohibition.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Greg Abbott:
Treat fentanyl deaths as poisonings, prosecute as murders
Mexican drug cartels make fentanyl look like legitimate medicine -- even candy. But that one pill can kill. To end cartel killings of Texans, we must do two things: call fentanyl deaths what they are -- poisonings -- and prosecute them as murders.
We must also increase the supply of lifesaving NARCAN, so we can save more Texans who are ambushed by fentanyl.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 16, 2023
Roland Gutierrez:
State senate platform included legalizing marijuana
In 2020 he was elected to the Senate, in part by running on a platform to legalize marijuana, reclaiming what had been a Democratic district for more than a century from a
Republican incumbent who had taken office in a special election.
Source: Texas Monthly on 2024 Texas Senate race
Jul 10, 2023
Roland Gutierrez:
Expand medical marijuana use for cancer, PTSD
Support Summary by Houston Public Media (9/2/21): Thousands more Texans can now be prescribed medical cannabis oil with low levels of THC, the ingredient that gets people high. House Bill 1535 expands the state's compassionate use program
to people with any type of cancer and those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. The law also doubled the THC limit allowable under the program from 0.5% to 1%.Opposition Summary by KWTX-10 (6/15/21):
The measure falls short of what many advocates had hoped for. Its sponsor said on the House floor that her counterparts in the Senate were unwilling to budge including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick]. A Patrick spokesperson said the Lt. Gov. is "strongly opposed
to weakening any laws against marijuana."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-0-0 on May/25/21; passed House 119-25-1 on May/28/21; State Rep. Roland Gutierrez voted YES; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/21.
Source: KWTX-10 on Texas State Legislature voting records HB1535
May 28, 2021
Roland Gutierrez:
Criminalize "doctor-shopping" to obtain prescription opiates
Excerpts from Sponsor's Statement of Intent: The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health issue and the increasing diversion of prescription drugs is a cause for concern. One of the causes of diversion is doctor shopping--
where a patient actively seeks doctors who will prescribe certain types of medications, usually opiates, depressants, and stimulants. Fifteen other states currently have legislation that specifically addresses the problem.
S.B. 158 creates criminal penalties for patients who visit multiple practitioners and do not disclose that they are already receiving controlled substances. In other words, a person commits an offense if they have intent to obtain controlled substances
that are not medically necessary for the person using misrepresentation or concealment.Legislative Outcome: State Rep. Roland Gutierrez voted YES; signed by Gov. Perry on June 17, 2011.
Source: Texas legislative voting records: SB158
Jun 17, 2011
Carl Sherman:
Don't expand medical marijuana use for cancer & PTSD
Support Summary by Houston Public Media (9/2/21): Thousands more Texans can now be prescribed medical cannabis oil with low levels of THC, the ingredient that gets people high. House Bill 1535 expands the state's compassionate use
program to people with any type of cancer and those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. The law also doubled the THC limit allowable under the program from 0.5% to 1%.
Opposition Summary by KWTX-10 (6/15/21):
The measure falls short of what many advocates had hoped for. Its sponsor said on the House floor that her counterparts in the Senate were unwilling to budge including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick]. A Patrick spokesperson said the Lt. Gov. is "strongly opposed
to weakening any laws against marijuana."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-0-0 on May/25/21; passed House 119-25-1 on May/28/21; State Rep. Carl Sherman voted NO; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/21.
Source: KWTX-10 on Texas State Legislature voting records HB1535
May 28, 2021
Colin Allred:
Medical marijuana for veterans struggling with PTSD
NORML Politician Info: rated B+ - Colin Allred (D - TX), Holds office U.S. House District 32; Candidate in race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, November 5, 2024
-
SUMMARY: LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE / DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE
- Position on Marijuana Legalization: Here is Collin on Twitter [about his opponent for
Congress] Jun 7, 2018: "It is unfortunate that Pete Sessions refuses to acknowledge that medical marijuana can help our veterans coming back from war who are struggling with PTSD and chronic pain."
- Co-sponsored Legislation: H.R.2191 - Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act
Source: NORML Politician Info on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Ted Cruz:
Drug legalization is harmful, but leave it to the states
NORML Politician Info: rated F
Ted Cruz (R - TX): Holds office U.S. Senate; Candidate in race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, November 5, 2024- SUMMARY: MANDATORY MINIMUMS JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION / NO MEDICAL USE
- Comments
: "I don't support drug legalization; I think drug legalization ends up harming people. I think it particularly hurts young people. It traps them in addiction...I've always said that should be a question for the states. I think different states
can resolve it differently." (5/1/23)
- "When it comes to a question of legalizing marijuana, I don't support legalizing marijuana," he told Hugh Hewitt in April. "I think it is appropriate for the federal government to recognize that the citizens of
those states have made that decision, and one of the benefits of it, you know, using Brandeis' terms of laboratories of democracy, is we can now watch and see what happens in Colorado and Washington State." (2/04/16)
Source: NORML Politician Info on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Colin Allred:
Decriminalize pot nationally; pardon marijuana possession
Marijuana : Ban or legal?- Colin Allred (D): Legal. Praised Biden's pardoning of federal offenses of marijuana possession. Voted to streamline research on marijuana and to decriminalize it nationally.
-
Ted Cruz (R): No recent position found. In 2018: "Different states can resolve it differently. So in Texas...I would vote against legalizing it," but Texans should "make that decision."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Roland Gutierrez:
Rated A+ by NORML: legalize marijuana and expunge records
NORML Politician Info: rated A+ - Candidate: Roland Gutierrez (D - TX): Holds office State Senate District 19
- Summary: LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE/DECRIMINALIZE: According to his campaign website,
Gutierrez strongly supports legalizing marijuana for adult use and expunging previous marijuana convictions.
- Legislation:
- H.B. 1535 - Expands the Texas Compassionate Use Program
-
Co-Author-Medical Marijuana (HB 2107) 2017
- Co-Author-Civil Penalties (HB 507) 2015
- Co-Author-Civil Penalties (HB 81) 2017
- Votes:
-
2021: Expands the Texas Compassionate Use Program, HB 1535: voted Yes
- 2015: Authorizes Medical Use of Cannabis, SB 339: voted Yes
Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Craig Goldman:
Expand medical marijuana use for cancer, PTSD
Support Summary by Houston Public Media (9/2/21): Thousands more Texans can now be prescribed medical cannabis oil with low levels of THC, the ingredient that gets people high. House Bill 1535 expands the state's compassionate use program
to people with any type of cancer and those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. The law also doubled the THC limit allowable under the program from 0.5% to 1%. Opposition Summary by KWTX-10 (6/15/21):
The measure falls short of what many advocates had hoped for. Its sponsor said on the House floor that her counterparts in the Senate were unwilling to budge including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick]. A Patrick spokesperson said the Lt. Gov. is "strongly opposed
to weakening any laws against marijuana."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-0-0 on May/25/21; passed House 119-25-1 on May/28/21; State Rep. Craig Goldman co-sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/21.
Source: KWTX-10 on Texas State Legislature voting records HB1535
May 28, 2021
Julie Johnson:
Expand medical marijuana use for cancer, PTSD
Support Summary by Houston Public Media (9/2/21): Thousands more Texans can now be prescribed medical cannabis oil with low levels of THC, the ingredient that gets people high. House Bill 1535 expands the state's compassionate use program
to people with any type of cancer and those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. The law also doubled the THC limit allowable under the program from 0.5% to 1%. Opposition Summary by KWTX-10 (6/15/21):
The measure falls short of what many advocates had hoped for. Its sponsor said on the House floor that her counterparts in the Senate were unwilling to budge including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick]. A Patrick spokesperson said the Lt. Gov. is "strongly opposed
to weakening any laws against marijuana."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 31-0-0 on May/25/21; passed House 119-25-1 on May/28/21; State Rep. Julie Johnson voted YES; Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Jun/15/21.
Source: KWTX-10 on Texas State Legislature voting records HB1535
May 28, 2021
Sylvester Turner:
Criminalize "doctor-shopping" to obtain prescription opiates
Excerpts from Sponsor's Statement of Intent: The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health issue and the increasing diversion of prescription drugs is a cause for concern. One of the causes of diversion is doctor shopping--
where a patient actively seeks doctors who will prescribe certain types of medications, usually opiates, depressants, and stimulants. Fifteen other states currently have legislation that specifically addresses the problem.
S.B. 158 creates criminal penalties for patients who visit multiple practitioners and do not disclose that they are already receiving controlled substances. In other words, a person commits an offense if they have intent to obtain controlled substances
that are not medically necessary for the person using misrepresentation or concealment.Legislative Outcome: State Rep. Sylvester Turner voted YES; signed by Gov. Perry on June 17, 2011.
Source: Texas legislative voting records: SB158
Jun 17, 2011
Greg Abbott:
Ban sale of hemp products to minors
Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order banning hemp and hemp-derived product consumption for minors and regulating its sale, though critics question its impact. Abbott directed the Department of State Health Services and the
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to prohibit the sale of hemp-derived products to minors and require age verification upon purchasing for all customers; retailers who violate the order will have their permits revoked.
Source: The Shorthorn, "THC," on 2026 Texas Gubernatorial race
Sep 16, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026