H.B. No. 3174, also known as the Honorable Ruth Jones McClendon Act, aims to establish county and hospital district disease control pilot programs in Texas to mitigate the spread of infectious and communicable diseases, particularly those associated with drug use, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration with community-based and faith-based organizations to provide education, treatment, and support for individuals struggling with addiction. The pilot programs will focus on reducing the transmission of blood-borne diseases, ensuring safe disposal of syringes, and increasing access to health services, including substance abuse treatment.

The bill includes several key provisions, such as the authorization for counties and hospital districts to create disease control outreach programs that facilitate the anonymous exchange of used syringes for new ones. It also allows registered organizations to charge fees for the distribution of syringes and mandates annual reporting on the effectiveness of these programs. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to exempt certain individuals involved in the pilot programs from penalties related to the possession and delivery of hypodermic needles and syringes. The provisions of this act will expire on September 1, 2035, and it is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 481.125 (Health and Safety Code 481)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 481.125 (Health and Safety Code 481)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 481.125 (Health and Safety Code 481)