H.B. No. 1496 amends the Health and Safety Code by adding a new subsection that exempts individuals from legal penalties related to the use, possession, delivery, or manufacture of testing equipment designed to identify fentanyl and its derivatives. Specifically, the new legal language clarifies that this exemption applies to those who use or possess such testing equipment with the intent to use it, as well as those who deliver or manufacture it with the intent to deliver.

The bill stipulates that the changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Any offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law, ensuring that individuals are subject to the legal framework in place at the time of their actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 481.125 (Health and Safety Code 481)