Bill > HB4586

This bill proposes to add a new section to the Texas Health and Safety Code that prohibits direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising within the state. The bill defines direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising as any promotional communication targeting consumers about prescription drugs, which includes advertisements on television, radio, print media, digital platforms, and social media. Under this proposed legislation, no person or entity would be allowed to engage in such advertising in Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services would have the authority to assess administrative penalties against violators, with fines up to $10,000 per day for each violation, and each day of continued violation could be considered a separate offense. The executive commissioner of the health services department would be empowered to adopt rules necessary to implement this section. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, providing pharmaceutical companies and advertisers time to adjust to the new restrictions on marketing prescription drugs directly to consumers in Texas.