Senate passes enhanced penalties for producing meth in the presence of a child

AUSTIN - The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 183 by State Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) to enhance penalties for the manufacture of meth in the presence of a child.

Senate Bill 183 increases penalties by one degree and adds five years and $50,000 to the First Degree Felony penalties for criminal offenders who produce meth when a child is on the premises.

During the Senate committee hearing on the bill, Wichita County Assistant Criminal District Attorney Dobie Kosub testified in favor of the bill and cited examples of homemade meth labs set up in nursery rooms.

"Protecting children is a moral responsibility, and SB 183 recognizes that children are not just harmed by the use of these drugs, but are sometimes placed in mortal danger by the volatile production of these drugs," said Estes.

Senate Bill 183 now goes to the Texas House. If passed without amendment, the bill will then go to the Governor for final approval.

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