H.B. No. 5248 proposes the establishment of a pilot program for the safe disposal of prescription drugs, including controlled substances, in Texas. The bill amends various sections of the Health and Safety Code to define key terms such as "collection receptacle" and "commission," replacing references to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The commission is tasked with developing and implementing the pilot program, which aims to increase the number of collection receptacles for unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs across the state. The bill also outlines eligibility criteria for pharmacies wishing to participate in the program and establishes application and selection processes.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for financial assistance to participating pharmacies, covering costs related to maintaining collection receptacles and incinerating collected drugs. It mandates the commission to create educational outreach materials to inform the public about safe disposal options and requires a biennial report summarizing the program's results and recommendations for its future. The bill also allows for funding from the opioid abatement account and other sources to support the program. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 1317.40 (Health and Safety Code 1317)