Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) indicates there would be a cost to operate the program in a single municipality, some of which would be offset by the collection of handling fees as authorized by the bill. It is assumed that any remaining cost could be absorbed within available resources. 

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

The legislation would amend Chapter 431 of the Health and Safety Code by establishing a pilot program for the donation and redistribution of unused prescription drugs. The pilot program would be conducted in one or more municipalities with a population of more than 500,000 but less than one million.

The bill would require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to accept, store, and distribute donated drugs as well as establish and maintain a searchable, electronic database of donated drugs. The bill would require DSHS to report to the legislature the results of the pilot program. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Current law requires unused prescription drugs to be disposed of. Establishing a pilot program for the donation of unused prescription drugs diminishes financial waste. We support HB 2271 because it empowers an individual, who may not be able to afford certain medication expenses, to utilize other means of obtaining the necessary treatment. This legislation promotes our individual liberty and limited government principles.