The bill, H.B. No. 2695, aims to enhance penalties for offenses related to the delivery of controlled substances when a social media platform is utilized in the commission of the crime. It introduces a new section, 481.142, to the Health and Safety Code, defining "social media platform" as per the Business & Commerce Code. The bill stipulates that if a defendant is found to have used a social media platform in furtherance of specific offenses under Sections 481.112, 481.1121, 481.1123, 481.113, 481.114, 481.119, 481.120, or 481.122, the punishment will be escalated to the next higher category of offense. For first-degree felonies, the punishment will be increased by five years, and the maximum fine will be doubled.

The changes enacted by this bill will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses that occurred prior to this date will be governed by the existing laws at that time, ensuring that the previous legal framework remains in effect for those cases.

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