HB 3729
AN ACT relating to the creation of a public information campaign to raise
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
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
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the creation of a public information campaign to raise
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