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HB 3729

AN ACT relating to the creation of a public information campaign to raise

House Bill Reynolds
Filed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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What This Bill Does

Establishes a statewide public information campaign to raise awareness about the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which provides legal access to low-THC cannabis for patients with certain medical conditions. The campaign will use multiple communication channels including websites, social media, television, radio, print materials, and billboards to educate eligible patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general public about program eligibility, enrollment, and access. The Department of Public Safety will develop and implement the campaign, partner with medical associations and patient advocacy groups, seek funding from various sources, and annually report to the legislature on the campaign's effectiveness and outreach efforts.

Subject Areas

Bill Text

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
(2)  many eligible patients, caregivers, and health
care providers are unaware of the program and the program's
(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
(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
(C)  television and radio advertisements;
(D)  print materials and billboards; and
(E)  educational materials for health care
(4)  partner with medical associations, patient
advocacy groups, and local health departments to enhance outreach
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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the creation of a public information campaign to raise