TITLE: Relating to a COVID-19 vaccine public awareness campaign.

SUMMARY: Relating to a COVID-19 vaccine public awareness campaign.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a COVID-19 vaccine public awareness campaign. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 161.01015 to read as follows: Sec. 161.01015. COVID-19 VACCINE PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. (a) In this section, "COVID-19" means the 2019 novel coronavirus. (b) The department shall develop and implement a public awareness campaign designed to increase awareness of and educate the public concerning the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines that are approved or authorized for emergency use by the United States Food and Drug Administration. (c) In implementing the campaign, the department shall seek to disseminate scientific and evidence-based information and combat misinformation, with the goal of increasing vaccination rates, particularly in communities with low rates of vaccination. (d) The department may pay the costs of the program and its administration from: (1) gifts, grants, or donations; (2) federal funds; and (3) any other money made available for that purpose, including money specifically appropriated for the campaign and any other available department revenue. (e) This section expires September 1, 2023. SECTION 2. 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.