89R15743 RDR-F
By: Reynolds H.B. No. 3729
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a public information campaign to raise
awareness of the Texas Compassionate Use Program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) The legislature finds that:
(1) the Texas Compassionate Use Program provides legal
access to low-THC cannabis for patients with certain medical
conditions;
(2) many eligible patients, caregivers, and health
care providers are unaware of the program and the program's
benefits; and
(3) increasing public awareness will ensure that more
qualifying patients can access this medical treatment.
(b) The purpose of this Act is to establish a statewide
public information campaign to educate the public and health care
providers about the Texas Compassionate Use Program.
SECTION 2. Chapter 487, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter G to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER G. PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Sec. 487.301. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "program"
means the compassionate use program established under this chapter.
Sec. 487.302. PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN. (a) The
department shall develop and implement a public information
campaign to raise awareness of the program using various
communication channels to disseminate information regarding the
program.
(b) The campaign must:
(1) provide accurate, evidence-based information on
eligibility, enrollment, and access to the program;
(2) target eligible patients, caregivers, health care
professionals, and the general public;
(3) use multiple media platforms, including:
(A) a dedicated Internet website and online
resources;
(B) social media campaigns;
(C) television and radio advertisements;
(D) print materials and billboards; and
(E) educational materials for health care
providers; and
(4) partner with medical associations, patient
advocacy groups, and local health departments to enhance outreach
efforts.
Sec. 487.303. BUDGET; FUNDING. (a) The department shall
prepare a projected budget estimate detailing anticipated costs,
including media production, distribution, and outreach activities.
(b) The department may use any funds appropriated or
otherwise made available for the purposes of the campaign and
accept gifts, grants, and donations to fund the campaign.
(c) The department may seek federal and private funding
sources to ensure the campaign's implementation.
Sec. 487.304. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. (a) The department,
in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, shall analyze key
performance indicators to measure the campaign's success and shall
annually submit a report to the legislature assessing the
effectiveness of the campaign and suggesting necessary adjustments
to improve the campaign.
(b) The report required by Subsection (a) must include:
(1) information regarding the implementation and
reach of the public information campaign;
(2) metrics on public awareness before and after the
campaign; and
(3) recommendations for improving outreach efforts.
Sec. 487.305. RULES. (a) The department shall adopt rules
necessary to implement this subchapter, including rules governing
the content, format, and distribution of public information
materials regarding the program. The rules adopted by the
department must:
(1) ensure that all public information materials are
consistent with state law and medical guidelines;
(2) establish a process for periodic review and
updates of public information materials to reflect current
scientific research and legal changes; and
(3) define the scope and limitations of the
department's authority in overseeing the public information
campaign.
(b) The department shall provide a mechanism for public and
stakeholder input in the rulemaking process.
SECTION 3. (a) Not later than January 1, 2026, the
Department of Public Safety shall implement the public awareness
campaign required by Subchapter G, Chapter 487, Health and Safety
Code, as added by this Act.
(b) Not later than December 31, 2026, the Department of
Public Safety shall submit to the legislature the first report
required by Section 487.304, Health and Safety Code, as added by
this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.