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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a public awareness campaign concerning certain |
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solicitations for the purchase of prescription drugs. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 402, Government Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 402.031 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 402.031. PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN CONCERNING CERTAIN |
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PRESCRIPTION DRUG SOLICITATIONS. (a) The consumer protection |
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division within the office of the attorney general shall develop a |
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public awareness campaign to educate consumers concerning |
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solicitations for the sale of prescription drugs that are made |
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using electronic mail or the Internet. |
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(b) The public awareness campaign must emphasize the |
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existence of reputable pharmacies and pharmacists that provide |
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services through the Internet and must provide information to |
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assist a consumer in distinguishing a reputable pharmacy or |
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pharmacist from a seller that may be unlicensed or fraudulent. |
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(c) In developing the public awareness campaign, the |
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consumer protection division shall consult with the Texas State |
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Board of Pharmacy, trade associations representing the interests of |
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pharmacies and pharmacists in this state, and advocates for |
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consumer protection. |
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(d) In conducting the public awareness campaign, the |
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consumer protection division may distribute information using: |
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(1) brochures; |
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(2) advertisements, articles, or editorials in |
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newspapers or other publications; |
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(3) radio or television public service announcements; |
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(4) the Internet; or |
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(5) other appropriate means. |
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(e) The attorney general may, in accordance with Section |
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402.005, accept gifts, grants, and donations to support the public |
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awareness campaign. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2007. |