The bill, H.B. No. 1319, aims to establish a wholesale prescription drug importation program in Texas to provide consumers with access to lower-cost prescription drugs sourced from Canada and the European Union. It amends Chapter 444 of the Health and Safety Code to include definitions for "European Union supplier," which refers to licensed manufacturers, distributors, or pharmacies under EU laws, alongside existing definitions for Canadian suppliers. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Health and Human Services Commission in implementing the program, including contracting with wholesalers and suppliers, developing a registration process for health benefit plan issuers and pharmacies, and ensuring compliance with federal safety standards.

Additionally, the bill mandates the commission to monitor potential anticompetitive behavior in the affected industries and allows for the imposition of fees on prescription drugs sold under the program to fund its administration. It requires annual reporting to the governor and legislature on the program's operations, including details on participating suppliers, the number of prescriptions dispensed, and estimated cost savings for consumers. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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