Bill

SB 363

86(R) - 2019
Senate Health & Human Services
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Senate Health & Human Services
House Homeland Security & Public Safety

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Kirk Watson

Bill Caption

Relating to access to certain controlled substance prescription information.

Fiscal Notes

According to the Legislative Budget Board, the bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

SB 363 would prohibit the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) from permitting any person to have access to information submitted to TSBP except under limited circumstances. It would also require the Department of Public Safety or other law enforcement agency to have a warrant, subpoena, or other court order in order to access data from the Prescription Monitoring Program.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 363 because it promotes the principle of limited government. The warrant requirement for accessing such personal prescription data adds due process protections, and prevents arbitrary searches without an active investigation and without any oversight.