89R4827 BEE-D By: Schwertner S.B. No. 623 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the authority of a pharmacist to determine whether to administer a vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 551.006, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 551.006. EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY. Notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacist has the exclusive authority to determine whether or not to: (1) dispense a drug; or (2) administer a vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine. SECTION 2. 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, 2025.