Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill Wednesday in Houston that increased the penalties in Texas for people convicted of manufacturing or distributing fentanyl.
Senate Bill 768, authored in the regular legislative session by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and sponsored by Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston), sets the minimum prison time for fentanyl manufacture and distribution at 10 years for four to 200 grams of the substance, 15 years for 200-400 grams and 20 years for any amount over 400 grams. The maximum sentence is life in prison.
Abbott was joined by Huffman and Crime Stoppers of Houston Deputy Director Nichole Christoph.
Johnson left the state with other democratic members of the Texas Legislature and did not attend Wednesday's bill signing.
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The law goes into effect Sept. 1.
