By: Springer, Hall  S.B. No. 403
         (In the Senate - Filed January 12, 2023; February 15, 2023,
  read first time and referred to Committee on Health & Human
  Services; April 19, 2023, reported adversely, with favorable
  Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 9, Nays 0;
  April 19, 2023, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
 
  COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 403 By:  Perry
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
 
  relating to a study on the adverse reactions and efficacy of
  COVID-19 vaccines.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
               (1)  "Center" means The University of Texas Health
  Science Center at Houston.
               (2)  "COVID-19" means the disease associated with
  exposure from:
                     (A)  the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including any variants
  of the virus; or
                     (B)  a COVID-19 vaccine injection.
               (3)  "Department" means the Department of State Health
  Services.
               (4)  "Vaccine" means a substance used to stimulate
  immunity to a particular infectious disease or pathogen.
         SECTION 2.  STUDY. (a)  The department, in collaboration
  with the center, shall conduct a study to assess the full scope of
  adverse reactions, including death, and efficacy of COVID-19
  vaccines used in this state.
         (b)  In conducting the study, the department shall 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
  experienced by vaccine recipients, including:
                     (A)  paralysis;
                     (B)  myocarditis;
                     (C)  clotting disorders;
                     (D)  thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome;
                     (E)  Guillain-Barré 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)  In conducting the study, the department and the center
  shall compile and make available information described by
  Subsection (b) of this section, including information collected by:
               (1)  the department, including information collected
  by the department'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 or with any medical boards; and
               (5)  any other relevant source, including the Vaccine
  Adverse Event 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. Not later than January 1, 2024, the
  department shall 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.  The
  department may make the report available to the public and post the
  report on the department's Internet website.
         SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2025.
         SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  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, 2023.
 
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