Texas House Bill HB5521

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/14/25

Caption

Relating to the possession and administration of an opioid antagonist by certain entities.

Impact

By mandating that entities such as concert halls and sports venues maintain a stock of opioid antagonists and have trained personnel available during operational hours, HB 5521 is expected to significantly alter state laws surrounding health and safety protocols in public venues. Entities are now not only responsible for having these life-saving drugs on hand but also for ensuring that their employees or volunteers are trained to administer them effectively. This shift emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in public safety, particularly in environments where opioid use might lead to emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 5521 aims to modify the possession and administration of opioid antagonists by various entities, particularly focusing on live music venues, sports venues, and amusement parks. The bill outlines specific provisions that require these entities to develop policies regarding the maintenance and administration of opioid antagonists, which are critical in responding to opioid overdoses. The intention behind this legislation is to enhance public health safety and promote preparedness at venues where large gatherings occur, thereby potentially saving lives in emergencies related to opioid overdoses.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing a pressing public health issue, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of implementation for smaller entities, which may find the costs of training and maintaining inventory burdensome. Additionally, some stakeholders argue that the bill could unintentionally place too much responsibility on venues for health outcomes, thus raising questions about liability and the potential for civil suits in case of adverse events. Nevertheless, the inclusion of immunity provisions aims to mitigate these concerns by protecting entities and individuals from liability when acting in good faith under the bill's guidelines.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 773. Emergency Medical Services
  • Section: New Section