Bill Text: TX HB4173 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating to state overdose prevention and control efforts and the defense to prosecution for certain offenses involving possession of small amounts of controlled substances, marihuana, dangerous drugs, or abusable volatile chemicals, or possession of drug paraphernalia for defendants seeking assistance for a suspected overdose.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-04-17 - Left pending in committee [HB4173 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB4173-Introduced.html
  88R10867 CJD-F
 
  By: Klick H.B. No. 4173
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to state overdose prevention and control efforts and the
  defense to prosecution for certain offenses involving possession of
  small amounts of controlled substances, marihuana, dangerous
  drugs, or abusable volatile chemicals, or possession of drug
  paraphernalia for defendants seeking assistance for a suspected
  overdose.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
  ARTICLE 1. OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
         SECTION 1.01.  Subtitle C, Title 6, Health and Safety Code,
  is amended by adding Chapter 490 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 490. OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 490.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
               (1)  "Application programming interface" means a set of
  tools, definitions, and protocols for building and integrating
  application software and service with different software programs.
               (2)  "Controlled substance" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 481.002.
               (3)  "Department" means the Department of State Health
  Services.
               (4)  "Executive commissioner" means the executive
  commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.
               (5)  "Information technology platform" means the
  Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program or a similar system
  that tracks overdose information for public safety purposes.
               (6)  "Opioid antagonist" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 483.101.
  SUBCHAPTER B. DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING
         Sec. 490.051.  OVERDOSE MAPPING. (a) The department shall
  develop an overdose mapping and response system in which a central
  repository containing information about overdose incidents is
  established and maintained using the information technology
  platform.
         (b)  The department shall design the overdose mapping and
  response system to avoid data entry duplication wherever possible.
  The system may include one or more application programming
  interfaces to transfer information about overdose incidents that
  are reported to active databases in this state to the information
  technology platform.
         Sec. 490.052.  OVERDOSE REPORTING. (a) A law enforcement
  officer who responds to an overdose incident shall report
  information about the incident to the information technology
  platform as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours after the
  incident.
         (b)  A person who administers emergency services and
  responds to an overdose incident or transports a person
  experiencing a confirmed or suspected overdose to a medical
  facility shall report information about the incident to the
  information technology platform as soon as possible but not later
  than 24 hours after the incident.
         (c)  When a coroner, medical examiner, or other individual
  responsible for determining the cause of death determines that the
  death of a person was caused by an overdose, the coroner, medical
  examiner, or other individual shall report information about the
  overdose incident to the information technology platform, or give
  the information to a person authorized to report it, as soon as
  possible but not later than 24 hours after the determination of the
  cause of death.
         (d)  A report under this section must include:
               (1)  the date and time of the overdose incident;
               (2)  the approximate location of the overdose incident;
               (3)  whether an opioid antagonist was administered, and
  if so, the number of doses and the type of delivery;
               (4)  whether the overdose was fatal or nonfatal;
               (5)  the sex and approximate age of the person
  suffering the overdose incident; and
               (6)  the suspected substance involved.
         (e)  A person who reports information about an overdose
  incident under this subchapter in good faith is not subject to civil
  or criminal liability for making the report unless the act
  constitutes wilful or wanton negligence.
         Sec. 490.053.  OVERDOSE SPIKE RESPONSE PLANS. (a) The
  department shall:
               (1)  identify parameters for identifying an overdose
  spike throughout the state; and
               (2)  create overdose spike response plans that
  coordinate the response of public health, public safety, and
  emergency management agencies and officials, first responders,
  community organizations, health care providers, and the media with
  the goal of preventing and reducing the harm caused by overdose
  spikes.
         (b)  In developing overdose spike response plans, the
  department may:
               (1)  establish public safety, public health, and
  behavioral health partnerships within the state;
               (2)  assist local communities in identifying
  additional ways to use information about overdose incidents to
  deploy public health, behavioral health, and public safety
  responses to address specific geographic areas or high-risk
  populations;
               (3)  assist in the distribution of opioid antagonists
  throughout the state; and
               (4)  assist in implementing strategies to reduce drug
  supply and demand, especially in high-risk areas and where there
  are high volumes of high-risk populations.
         Sec. 490.054.  REPORT BY DEPARTMENT. Not later than
  September 1 of each year, the department shall submit an annual
  report to the legislature regarding the overdose mapping and
  response system under this subchapter. The report must include:
               (1)  the number of overdose incidents reported and the
  approximate locations where the overdose incidents occurred,
  including any clusters of overdose incidents;
               (2)  the entities or individuals reporting information
  about overdose incidents;
               (3)  the percentage of overdose incidents involving
  fatal overdoses; and
               (4)  the manner in which the reported information about
  overdose incidents was used for public health, behavioral health,
  and public safety responses, the outcomes of those responses, and
  the impact on affected communities.
         Sec. 490.055.  LIMITATIONS ON DATA USE. (a) Information
  about overdose incidents reported to the overdose mapping and
  response system by a person other than a law enforcement officer may
  not be used for a criminal investigation or prosecution of any
  person.
         (b)  Information about overdose incidents reported to, and
  accessible through, the overdose mapping and response system is
  confidential and is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552,
  Government Code.
  SUBCHAPTER C. STATEWIDE OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
         Sec. 490.101.  FENTANYL ADDICTION AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION
  AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. (a) The department shall develop,
  implement, and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and
  education campaign to address the fentanyl education needs in this
  state.
         (b)  The campaign must include:
               (1)  information for the general public about fentanyl;
               (2)  precautionary measures to avoid risks and prevent
  harm caused by fentanyl;
               (3)  resources for addiction treatment and services;
  and
               (4)  information on laws regarding the manufacture,
  delivery, possession, and use of fentanyl, including criminal
  penalties and immunities for reporting an overdose.
         (c)  The department may use television advertisements, radio
  broadcasts, print media, or any other media or digital strategies
  necessary and appropriate to reach the target audience of the
  campaign.
         (c-1)  The department shall provide at least five regional
  training sessions during the first year of operation of the
  campaign for community partners to implement youth health
  development strategies. This subsection expires December 1, 2025.
         (d)  The department shall develop, implement, and maintain
  an Internet website to serve as the state resource for the most
  accurate and timely information regarding fentanyl. The website
  must include the information described by Subsection (b).
         Sec. 490.102.  STATEWIDE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
  COLLABORATIVE. (a) The department shall establish a Substance
  Abuse Prevention Collaborative, composed of the number and
  composition of members as determined by the executive commissioner
  to be appropriate. The executive commissioner shall appoint members
  from:
               (1)  institutions of higher education;
               (2)  nonprofit agencies;
               (3)  state agencies; and
               (4)  other stakeholders as determined by the executive
  commissioner.
         (b)  The Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative shall:
               (1)  gather feedback from stakeholders concerning
  evidence-based overdose prevention practices;
               (2)  work with prevention specialists to provide and
  support training to strengthen the state's prevention workforce;
               (3)  coordinate with and assist state agencies and
  communities to strengthen prevention infrastructure;
               (4)  implement a statewide strategic plan for
  prevention of substance use disorders;
               (5)  advance the use of tested and effective prevention
  programs and practices through education, outreach, advocacy, and
  technical assistance;
               (6)  direct efforts to raise public awareness of the
  cost savings of prevention measures;
               (7)  provide direct training and technical assistance
  to communities regarding the selection, implementation, and
  sustainment of tested and effective prevention programs;
               (8)  provide recommendations to state agencies and
  communities regarding innovative prevention programs and
  practices;
               (9)  support funding efforts to align funding and
  services and communicate with communities about funding
  strategies; 
               (10)  work with key state and community stakeholders to
  establish minimum standards for prevention programs; and
               (11)  not later than September 1 of each year, submit an
  annual report to the legislature of the collaborative's progress.
         Sec. 490.103.  STATE OVERDOSE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM. (a)
  The department shall develop and implement a grant program to
  prevent overdose deaths and reduce health risks associated with
  substance abuse.
         (b)  To be eligible to receive a grant, an entity must be:
               (1)  a nonprofit organization that is in good standing
  and registered with the Internal Revenue Service and the secretary
  of state's office;
               (2)  a federally qualified health center or rural
  health clinic, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(l); or
               (3)  a law enforcement agency.
         (c)  An eligible entity may submit an application on behalf
  of a group of eligible entities, and apportion grant money
  accordingly, to foster community collaboration and collective
  impact.
         (d)  The department shall:
               (1)  develop additional eligibility criteria for grant
  funding;
               (2)  review applications for funding; and
               (3)  award funding based on the developed criteria.
  ARTICLE 2. DEFENSES TO CERTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION
  OFFENSES
         SECTION 2.01.  Section 481.115(h), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (h)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (g) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.1151(b)(1),
  481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b), 481.118(b), or
  481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section 481.119(b),
  481.125(a), 483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.1151(c), 481.116(f), 481.1161(c),
  481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c), 481.125(g),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.02.  Section 481.1151(d), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (c) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b), 481.118(b), or
  481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section 481.119(b),
  481.125(a), 483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.116(f), 481.1161(c),
  481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c), 481.125(g),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.03.  Section 481.116(g), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (g)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (f) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b), 481.118(b), or
  481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section 481.119(b),
  481.125(a), 483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.1161(c),
  481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c), 481.125(g),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.04.  Section 481.1161(d), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (c) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.116(b), 481.117(b), 481.118(b), or
  481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section 481.119(b),
  481.125(a), 483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.116(f),
  481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c), 481.125(g),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.05.  Section 481.117(g), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (g)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (f) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.118(b), or
  481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section 481.119(b),
  481.125(a), 483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.116(f),
  481.1161(c), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c), 481.125(g),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.06.  Section 481.118(g), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (g)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (f) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b), or
  481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section 481.119(b),
  481.125(a), 483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.116(f),
  481.1161(c), 481.117(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c), 481.125(g),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.07.  Section 481.119(d), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (c) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b),
  481.118(b), or 481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section
  481.125(a), 483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.116(f),
  481.1161(c), 481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.121(c), 481.125(g),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.08.  Section 481.121(d), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (c) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b), or
  481.118(b), or an offense under Section 481.119(b), 481.125(a),
  483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.116(f),
  481.1161(c), 481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.125(g),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.09.  Section 481.125(h), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (h)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (g) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b),
  481.118(b), or 481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section
  481.119(b), 483.041(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 483 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.116(f),
  481.1161(c), 481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c),
  483.041(e), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.10.  Section 483.041(f), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (f)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (e) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b),
  481.118(b), or 481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section
  481.119(b), 481.125(a), or 485.031(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 481 or 485;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.116(f),
  481.1161(c), 481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c),
  481.125(g), or 485.031(c); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
         SECTION 2.11.  Section 485.031(d), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The defense to prosecution provided by Subsection (c) is
  not available if[:
               [(1)]  at the time the request for emergency medical
  assistance was made:
               (1) [(A)]  a peace officer was in the process of
  arresting the actor or executing a search warrant describing the
  actor or the place from which the request for medical assistance was
  made; or
               (2) [(B)]  the actor is committing another offense,
  other than an offense punishable under Section 481.115(b),
  481.1151(b)(1), 481.116(b), 481.1161(b)(1) or (2), 481.117(b),
  481.118(b), or 481.121(b)(1) or (2), or an offense under Section
  481.119(b), 481.125(a), or 483.041(a)[;
               [(2)  the actor has been previously convicted of or
  placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for an
  offense under this chapter or Chapter 481 or 483;
               [(3)  the actor was acquitted in a previous proceeding
  in which the actor successfully established the defense under that
  subsection or Section 481.115(g), 481.1151(c), 481.116(f),
  481.1161(c), 481.117(f), 481.118(f), 481.119(c), 481.121(c),
  481.125(g), or 483.041(e); or
               [(4)  at any time during the 18-month period preceding
  the date of the commission of the instant offense, the actor
  requested emergency medical assistance in response to the possible
  overdose of the actor or another person].
  ARTICLE 3.  STUDY ON FENTANYL
         SECTION 3.01.  (a)  The Department of Public Safety, in
  consultation with the Health and Human Services Commission, shall
  conduct a study regarding the use of the Internet, including
  retail, payment, and social media platforms, for the purpose of
  distributing fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, any other derivative
  of fentanyl, synthetic opiates, and counterfeit prescription
  drugs. The study must:
               (1)  examine the prevalence of the availability and
  accessibility of fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, any other
  derivative of fentanyl, synthetic opiates, and counterfeit
  prescription drugs through the Internet;
               (2)  identify Internet website policies and practices
  intended to prevent the use of a website for distributing fentanyl,
  alpha-methylfentanyl, any other derivative of fentanyl, synthetic
  opiates, and counterfeit prescription drugs;
               (3)  identify laws implemented by other states or the
  federal government intended to prevent the use of the Internet for
  distributing fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, any other derivative
  of fentanyl, synthetic opiates, and counterfeit prescription
  drugs; and
               (4)  examine any other relevant data, information, or
  resource concerning the use of the Internet for distributing
  fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, any other derivative of fentanyl,
  synthetic opiates, and counterfeit prescription drugs.
         (b)  Not later than September 1, 2024, the Department of
  Public Safety shall report the results of the study conducted under
  Subsection (a) of this section to the governor, the lieutenant
  governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the
  standing committees of the senate and the house of representatives
  that have jurisdiction over drug trafficking and health care
  issues.  The report must include recommendations for legislation:
               (1)  to prevent the use of the Internet for
  distributing fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, any other derivative
  of fentanyl, synthetic opiates, and counterfeit prescription
  drugs;
               (2)  imposing criminal and civil liability for the use
  of the Internet for distributing fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl,
  any other derivative of fentanyl, synthetic opiates, and
  counterfeit prescription drugs;
               (3)  creating consumer reporting mechanisms for
  reporting to law enforcement the use of an Internet website or
  online account for distributing fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl,
  any other derivative of fentanyl, synthetic opiates, and
  counterfeit prescription drugs; and
               (4)  implementing any other public policy changes
  necessary to reduce or eliminate the use of the Internet for
  distributing fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, any other derivative
  of fentanyl, synthetic opiates, and counterfeit prescription
  drugs.
         (c)  This section expires January 1, 2025.
  ARTICLE 4.  TRANSITIONS; EFFECTIVE DATE
         SECTION 4.01.  (a)  Not later than September 1, 2024, the
  Department of State Health Services shall develop the overdose
  mapping and response system as required by Section 490.051, Health
  and Safety Code, as added by this Act.
         (b)  Not later than September 1, 2024, the Department of
  State Health Services shall develop the overdose spike response
  plans as required by Section 490.053, Health and Safety Code, as
  added by this Act.
         (c)  Not later than September 1, 2024, the Department of
  State Health Services shall develop and implement the Fentanyl
  Addiction and Overdose Prevention and Education Campaign as
  required by Section 490.101, Health and Safety Code, as added by
  this Act.
         (d)  Not later than September 1, 2024, the executive
  commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall
  appoint the members to the Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative
  as required by Section 490.102, Health and Safety Code, as added by
  this Act.
         (e)  Not later than September 1, 2024, the Department of
  State Health Services shall develop and implement the state
  overdose prevention grant program as required by Section 490.103,
  Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 4.02.  The changes in law made by this Act to
  Chapters 481, 483, and 485, Health and Safety Code, apply only to an
  offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An
  offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed
  by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the
  former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of
  this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of
  this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date.
         SECTION 4.03.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
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