bill orders statewide ad campaign for the Compassionate Use Program

The text as introduced · 614 words

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.