The bill, S.B. No. 623, amends Section 551.006 of the Occupations Code to grant pharmacists exclusive authority to determine whether to dispense a drug or administer a vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine. This change emphasizes the pharmacist's role in making decisions regarding vaccine administration, thereby expanding their responsibilities in public health.

The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from all elected members in both houses of the Texas Legislature. If it does not achieve this necessary vote, the bill will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 551.006 (Occupations Code 551)