HB3729 - Relating to the creation of a public information campaign to raise awareness of the Texas Compassionate Use Program.

  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.