By: Delisi, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Van de Putte) H.B. No. 1676
         (In the Senate - Received from the House March 29, 2007;
  April 3, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on Health
  and Human Services; April 17, 2007, reported adversely, with
  favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 9,
  Nays 0; April 17, 2007, sent to printer.)
 
  COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 1676 By:  Patrick
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
 
  relating to a public awareness campaign concerning certain
  solicitations for the purchase of prescription drugs.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 402, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 402.031 to read as follows:
         Sec. 402.031.  PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN CONCERNING CERTAIN
  PRESCRIPTION DRUG SOLICITATIONS.  (a)  The office of the attorney
  general shall develop a public awareness campaign to educate
  consumers concerning solicitations for the sale of prescription
  drugs that are made using electronic mail or the Internet.
         (b)  The public awareness campaign must emphasize the
  existence of reputable pharmacies and pharmacists that provide
  services through the Internet and must provide information to
  assist a consumer in distinguishing a reputable pharmacy or
  pharmacist from a seller that may be unlicensed or fraudulent.
         (c)  In developing the public awareness campaign, the office
  of the attorney general shall consult with the Texas State Board of
  Pharmacy, trade associations representing the interests of
  pharmacies and pharmacists in this state, and advocates for
  consumer protection.
         (d)  In conducting the public awareness campaign, the office
  of the attorney general may distribute information using:
               (1)  brochures;
               (2)  advertisements, articles, or editorials in
  newspapers or other publications;
               (3)  radio or television public service announcements;
               (4)  the Internet; or
               (5)  other appropriate means.
         (e)  The attorney general may, in accordance with Section
  402.005, accept gifts, grants, and donations to support the public
  awareness campaign.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
 
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