TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1488

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1488

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to restricting research on potentially pandemic pathogens in this state; creating a civil penalty.

Impact

Upon enactment, SB1488 would impose civil penalties ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 for non-compliance with reporting requirements. Institutions of higher education found to be in violation would lose eligibility for state funds. This legislative change underscores the Texas government's commitment to public health safety while also intensifying oversight of biomedical research institutions. The regulation is positioned as a necessary step following events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting it to broader public health initiatives and fostering a regulatory framework intended to ensure responsible research practices.

Summary

SB1488 proposes strict regulations on research pertaining to potentially pandemic pathogens in Texas. The bill aims to restrict gain of function research, which is identified as a practice that can increase the transmissibility of pathogens, thus introducing significant risks to public health. It outlines requirements for entities engaged in such research to submit detailed reports to the health department prior to commencement, disclosing key information concerning research scope, funding, and potential public health impacts. This proactive measure aims to enhance community safety and mitigate risks associated with biosecurity vulnerabilities.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB1488 may stem from concerns about the balance between scientific advancement and public safety. Proponents emphasize the importance of restricting research that could lead to health crises, while critics might argue that overly stringent regulations could stifle scientific innovation and impede research that could benefit public health. The designation of civil penalties for violations reflects a rigorous approach to enforcement, but also raises questions about the implications for scientific collaboration and the potential chilling effects on research initiatives in the state.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 81. Communicable Diseases; Public Health Disasters; Public Health Emergencies
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1583

Relating to restricting research on potentially pandemic pathogens in this state; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB15

Relating to the creation of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas.

TX SB1014

Relating to restrictions on the use and disclosure of certain genetic material and genetic information; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB4440

Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB1412

Relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB1844

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

NJ AR183

Urges U.S. President and Congress to cease funding gain-of-function research.

NJ AR30

Urges U.S. President and Congress to cease funding gain-of-function research.

WI SB401

Prohibiting institutions of higher education from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens, requiring reporting of the intention to conduct research on potentially pandemic pathogens, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI AB413

Prohibiting institutions of higher education from conducting gain of function research on potentially pandemic pathogens, requiring reporting of the intention to conduct research on potentially pandemic pathogens, and providing a penalty. (FE)

TX SB1583

Relating to restricting research on potentially pandemic pathogens in this state; creating a civil penalty.

HI SB646

Relating To Ornamental Ginger.

HI HB306

Relating To Ornamental Ginger.

HI SB646

Relating To Ornamental Ginger.