BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 403
	By: Springer
	Health & Human Services
	3/17/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Interested parties have claimed that there has been no meaningful attempt by the federal government to study the adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since the accelerated release and distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and its variants, there have been numerous reports of life-altering illnesses found in those who have received one or more doses. This issue has been seen as taboo in large swathes of the health industry, giving rise to the need to pass legislation in order to accurately assess the short-term and long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. While efficacy studies have been conducted on behalf of the federal government in order to asses the effectiveness of the vaccine, some have claimed that there has been a lack of inquiry towards side effects (and adverse reactions) resulting from the vaccine. This bill requires the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services to study the potential of harmful side effects, adverse reactions, including death, as well as the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to better protect the health and safety of Texas citizens.

As proposed, S.B. 403 amends current law relating to a study on the side effects, adverse reactions, including death, and the effectiveness of vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) or its variants.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. (a) Defines "commission," "executive commissioner," "department," "COVID-19," and "vaccine."

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(b) Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in collaboration with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to conduct a study to assess the full and complete adverse reactions, including death, and effectiveness of each type of vaccine used in Texas to defend the human body against COVID-19. Requires that the report include:

(1) the immediate short-term side effects and adverse reactions recipients experienced from taking the various COVID-19 vaccines used in Texas; including but not limited to include:

(i) pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given;

(ii) mild fever;

(iii) chills;

(iv) feeling tired;

(v) headache; and

(vi) muscle and joint aches.

(2) the immediate serious side effects and adverse reactions recipients experienced from taking the various COVID-19 vaccines used in Texas; including but not limited to include:

(i) difficulty breathing;

(ii) swelling of the face and throat;

(iii) accelerated heartbeat;

(iv) a body rash;

(v) dizziness; and

(vi) weakness.

(3) any long-term side effects and adverse reactions recipients have experienced from taking the various COVID-19 vaccines used in Texas; including but not limited to include:

(i) paralysis;

(ii) Myocarditis;

(iii) clotting disorders;

(iv) Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS);

(v) Guillain-Barr� syndrome (GBS);

(vi) difficulty thinking or "brain fog,"

(vii) chronic pain;

(viii) tiredness and fatigue;

(ix) loss of taste;

(x) depression;

(xi) anxiety; and

(xii) death.

(4) any misrepresentations about the effectiveness or dangers of taking of the vaccine by its manufacturers or any governmental agency; and

(5) any concealment of information about the effectiveness or dangers of taking of the vaccine by its manufacturers or any governmental agency.

(1) information collected by HHSC and DSHS, including information from DSHS's vital statistics unit and the state Medicaid program;

(2) hospitals, treatment centers, available surveys; and

(3) other relevant sources.

SECTION 2. (a) Requires HHSC and DSHS, not later than January 1, 2024, to prepare and submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairpersons of the relevant Texas legislative committees with jurisdiction over HHSC and DSHS, a copy of the report, summary of any findings, and any recommendations for legislative or executive action to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Authorizes DSHS to post the report on DSHS's Internet website.

(b) Authorizes HHSC and DSHS to accept gifts, grants, and donations from any source to fund expenses incurred by HHSC and DSHS in preparing the report.

SECTION 3. Provides that this Act expires September 1, 2025.

SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.

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