H.B. No. 227 seeks to regulate kratom and kratom products in Texas by redesignating Chapter 444 of the Health and Safety Code to Chapter 445 and introducing new definitions and requirements for kratom processors and retailers. The bill defines "kratom" as any part of the leaf of the plant species Mitragyna speciosa and mandates that kratom products be tested for purity and safety before sale. It requires labeling with usage directions and prohibits the sale of adulterated or contaminated products. Civil penalties for violations are increased, with fines escalating from $2,500 for the first offense to $10,000 for subsequent violations. The legislation also establishes criminal offenses related to the sale and distribution of kratom products, particularly to individuals under 21 years of age, and introduces a felony offense for falsifying laboratory test results.

Additionally, the bill amends the Health and Safety Code to include specific definitions and classifications related to kratom and its alkaloids, expanding Penalty Group 1 to include various substances, including several kratom alkaloids. It clarifies that any salt, isomer, or derivative of the newly defined kratom alkaloids will also fall under the same regulatory framework. The bill also proposes significant amendments regarding controlled substances, introducing new legal language that expands definitions of tetrahydrocannabinols and their derivatives, including a comprehensive list of specific compounds. It ensures that the changes in law apply only to offenses committed on or after its effective date and takes precedence over conflicting legislation from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, becoming effective 91 days after the last day of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 481.002, Health and Safety Code 481.102, Health and Safety Code 481.103 (Health and Safety Code 481)