BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.S.B. 403
88R19506 MCF-F	By: Springer
	Health & Human Services
	4/17/2023
	Committee Report (Substituted)

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 to accurately assess the short-term and long-term effects of the various COVID-19 vaccines.

While efficacy studies have been conducted on behalf of the federal government to assess 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 Department of State Health Services, in collaboration with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, to study the potential of harmful side effects, adverse reactions, including death, as well as the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine to better protect the health and safety of Texas citizens.

C.S.S.B. 403 amends current law relating to a study on the adverse reactions and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

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. DEFINITIONS. Defines "center," "COVID-19," "department," and "vaccine."

SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) Requires the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in collaboration with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (center), to conduct a study to assess the full scope of adverse reactions, including death, and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines used in this state.

(b) Requires DSHS, in conducting the study, to compile information regarding:

(1) the immediate short-term side effects and adverse reactions experienced by vaccine recipients, including:

(A) pain, swelling, or redness at the vaccine injection site;

(B) mild fever;

(C) chills;

(D) tiredness;

(E) headache; and

(F) muscle or joint aches;

(2) the immediate serious side effects and adverse reactions experienced by vaccine recipients, including:

(A) difficulty breathing;

(B) swelling of the face or throat;

(C) accelerated heartbeat;

(D) body rash;

(E) dizziness; and

(F) weakness;

(3) the long-term side effects and adverse reactions recipients experienced by vaccine recipients, including:

(A) paralysis;

(B) myocarditis;

(C) clotting disorders;

(D) thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome;

(E) Guillain-Barr� syndrome;

(F) difficulty thinking or brain fog;

(G) chronic pain;

(H) tiredness or fatigue;

(I) loss of taste;

(J) depression;

(K) anxiety; and

(L) death; and

(4) any misrepresentation or concealment regarding the efficacy or dangers of vaccination by the vaccine manufacturer or a governmental agency.

(c) Requires DSHS and the center, in conducting the study, to compile and make available information described by Subsection (b) of this section, including information collected by:

(1) DSHS, including information collected by DSHS's vital statistics unit, and center;

(2) hospitals or treatment centers;

(3) any available survey;

(4) public hearings that involve health care providers, researchers, injured patients, or the families of injured patients speaking on COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccine experiences, including difficulties prescribing or filling therapeutic prescriptions and difficulties encountered in hospitals with any medical boards; and

(5) any other relevant source, including the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database maintained for the United States Department of Defense.

SECTION 3. REPORT. Requires DSHS, not later than January 1, 2024, to prepare and submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and chairpersons of legislative standing committees with jurisdiction over health and safety a written report summarizing the information compiled in the study and any recommendations for legislative or other action to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Authorizes DSHS to make the report available to the public and post the report on DSHS's Internet website.

SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. Provides that this Act expires September 1, 2025.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.