🟡Relating to the use of a social media platform in furtherance of an offense involving the delivery of a controlled substance; increasing criminal penalties.

🟡 SB 1833: Harsher drug sentences if social media is used

What it says it does:
SB 1833 claims to protect Texans by cracking down on drug dealers who use social media to reach buyers, especially young people.

What it actually changes:
The bill does not create a new crime. It adds an enhancement on top of existing drug delivery charges if prosecutors prove social media was used “in furtherance” of the offense. That means a higher felony level, or if already a first-degree felony, an extra five years and doubled fines.

Who is pushing for it:
Support is recorded from law enforcement groups like the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, Texas Police Chiefs Association, CLEAT, Dallas Police Association, Texas Municipal Police Association, and grassroots advocates with True Texas Project.

Who benefits:
Prosecutors gain stronger leverage in plea bargaining. Police departments can use the statute to justify more digital forensics resources and bigger budgets. Political groups benefit from a tough-on-crime message.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Defendants face inflated penalties even if social media use was incidental. Counties and the state may shoulder higher incarceration and probation costs. No funding is included for prevention or treatment.

Why this matters long term:
It sets a precedent to keep attaching penalty adders to technology use. It also expands prosecutorial power without new reporting, oversight, or guardrails. Costs rise permanently while transparency does not.

What to watch next:
Expect proposals in future sessions to expand this model into other offenses involving phones or online platforms. Watch whether the enhancement is applied unevenly across communities.

Bottom line:
This bill makes drug crimes tied to social media far harsher but provides no prevention, no oversight, and no treatment funding. It increases State power without proving it will solve the underlying problem.

#SB1833 #TexasPolicy #TexasJustice #TexasCourts #WatchTheRules