TX HB453

Increases the penalty for delivering a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance (primarily fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives) to a child from a second degree felony to a first degree felony, punishable by 20-99 years or life imprisonment and up to $500,000 fine

Creates a capital felony offense when delivery of a Penalty Group 1-B substance to a child results in the death of that child or another child

Death can result from injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing the substance into the body, whether used alone or combined with other substances, drugs, adulterants, or dilutants

Applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025; prior offenses remain governed by existing law