By: Springer, et al. S.B. No. 403
(Capriglione, et al.)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on the adverse reactions and efficacy of
COVID-19 vaccines.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "Center" means The University of Texas Health
Science Center at Houston.
(2) "COVID-19" means the disease associated with
exposure from:
(A) the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including any variants
of the virus; or
(B) a COVID-19 vaccine injection.
(3) "Department" means the Department of State Health
Services.
(4) "Vaccine" means a substance used to stimulate
immunity to a particular infectious disease or pathogen.
SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The department, in collaboration
with the center, shall conduct a study to assess the full scope of
adverse reactions, including death, and efficacy of COVID-19
vaccines used in this state.
(b) In conducting the study, the department shall compile
information regarding:
(1) the immediate short-term side effects and adverse
reactions experienced by vaccine recipients, including:
(A) pain, swelling, or redness at the vaccine
injection site;
(B) mild fever;
(C) chills;
(D) tiredness;
(E) headache; and
(F) muscle or joint aches;
(2) the immediate serious side effects and adverse
reactions experienced by vaccine recipients, including:
(A) difficulty breathing;
(B) swelling of the face or throat;
(C) accelerated heartbeat;
(D) body rash;
(E) dizziness; and
(F) weakness;
(3) the long-term side effects and adverse reactions
experienced by vaccine recipients, including:
(A) paralysis;
(B) myocarditis;
(C) clotting disorders;
(D) thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome;
(E) Guillain-Barré syndrome;
(F) difficulty thinking or brain fog;
(G) chronic pain;
(H) tiredness or fatigue;
(I) loss of taste;
(J) depression;
(K) anxiety; and
(L) death; and
(4) any misrepresentation or concealment regarding
the efficacy or dangers of vaccination by the vaccine manufacturer
or a governmental agency.
(c) In conducting the study, the department and the center
shall compile and make available information described by
Subsection (b) of this section, including information collected by:
(1) the department, including information collected
by the department's vital statistics unit, and center;
(2) hospitals or treatment centers;
(3) any available survey;
(4) public hearings that involve health care
providers, researchers, injured patients, or the families of
injured patients speaking on COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccine
experiences, including difficulties prescribing or filling
therapeutic prescriptions and difficulties encountered in
hospitals or with any medical boards; and
(5) any other relevant source, including the Vaccine
Adverse Event Reporting System maintained by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and the Defense Medical Epidemiology
Database maintained for the United States Department of Defense.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than January 1, 2024, the
department shall prepare and submit to the governor, lieutenant
governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and chairpersons
of legislative standing committees with jurisdiction over health
and safety a written report summarizing the information compiled in
the study and any recommendations for legislative or other action
to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine side effects. The
department may make the report available to the public and post the
report on the department's Internet website.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2025.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect
immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members
elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas
Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for
immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.