On January 22, 2025, Texas lawmakers introduced House Bill 1982 (HB 1982), a legislative proposal aimed at reforming the standards for evidence admissibility in drug-related offenses under Chapter 481 of the Health and Safety Code. The bill seeks to address concerns regarding the reliability of testimony from individuals acting covertly on behalf of law enforcement agencies, particularly those who are not licensed peace officers or special investigators.

The primary provision of HB 1982 stipulates that a defendant cannot be convicted based solely on the testimony of such individuals unless it is corroborated by additional evidence linking the defendant to the alleged crime. This change aims to enhance the integrity of the judicial process by ensuring that convictions are based on more than potentially unreliable or unverified testimony.

The bill has sparked notable discussions among lawmakers and legal experts, with some advocating for stronger protections for defendants to prevent wrongful convictions. Critics, however, argue that the bill could hinder law enforcement's ability to effectively combat drug-related crimes, as it may limit the