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 facilitate the safe exchange of used syringes and needles, promote access to primary health care, and enhance substance abuse treatment services, ultimately aiming to protect public health and safety.

The bill includes specific provisions for the establishment and operation of these pilot programs, allowing counties and hospital districts to register organizations to manage the programs and distribute hypodermic needles and syringes. It authorizes the collection of fees for registration and for the distribution of needles and syringes, while also ensuring that registered organizations provide annual reports on the effectiveness of the 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)