NACDS sponsored the Texas Federation of Drug Stores’ (TFDS) Legislative Champions reception and dinner in Austin last week, honoring State Sen. Pete Flores (R) and State Rep. Four Price (R), sponsors of the immunization bill that would have made PREP Act permanent, and State Rep Stephanie Klick (R), the House Public Health Committee Chair and sponsor of our Medicaid U&C (usual & customary) bill. 

Also in Texas, the Board of Pharmacy held a quarterly meeting on November 7. The new Executive Director/Secretary Danny Carroll Pharm.D., R.Ph., presided over his first Board meeting. 

Also, in Texas, before the third 30-day special session adjournment, the Legislature sent Gov. Greg Abbott (R) two pieces of legislation before adjourning the third Special Session on November 7. SB 4 by Sen. Pete Flores (R) addressed border security, and HB (House Bill) 7 by Rep. Jeff Leach (R) and Sen. Mayes Middleton (R) prohibits private employers from adopting policies that require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. The Governor is expected to sign both bills into law. 

Also in Texas, immediately after the end of the third special session. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced a fourth special session on school choice and border security. 

Also in Texas, the Health, and Human Services Commission (HHSC) published an annual report on the Prescription Drug Rebate Program for health benefit programs administered by HHSC System: Texas Medicaid Program, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Kidney Health Care (KHC) Program, Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Services Program and the Healthy Texas Women (HTW) Program. 

Also in Texas, Medicaid clarified the new policy implementing HB 916 passed earlier this year that amends Section 1369.102 of the Texas Insurance Code to require health benefit plans, including Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care, to follow certain quantity supply criteria for prescription contraceptive drugs. The Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care policy is effective January 1, 2024. 

Finally in Texas, the November 7 election results: 

• Texas voters approved 13 of the 14 constitutional amendments.
• State Sen. John Whitmire (D) and U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D) are headed to a December runoff in Houston’s mayoral race. 
• In Texas State House District 2, Jill Dutton (R) and Brent Money (R) advance to runoff for a House special election replacing expelled former state Rep. Bryan Slaton (R).  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.