Latest news with #TCUP
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas legislature moves to finalize bills in the final days of session
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Deadlines for passing bills on second and third readings have come and gone in the Texas Capitol, and now lawmakers turn their attention to the final steps of passing remaining bills in the final days of the session. At this point in the session, House bills amended by the Senate and Senate bills amended by the House are being returned to their originating chamber for final approval. The sponsor of the bill must tell each body if they concur with the changes made to their legislation. If not, the bill moves on to conference committee, like House Bill 3071 by State Rep. Charlie Geren, a Republican from Fort Worth. He got up to the front mic of the House chamber to talk about amendments made to his bill, which relates to the cancellation of certain solid waste disposal permits. 'They're not any good and I am requesting to go to conference,' Geren said to thunderous cheers in the chamber, a point of levity after long consecutive days and nights of debating and voting. When a conference committee request is approved there are five members selected, known as conferees, from each chamber, including the two bill sponsors. What has been described as a closed-door negotiation between the ten members is actually more like a negotiation between two people. Dennis Bonnen, the former Speaker of the House, said most of the time negotiations begin even before a conference committee is called. 'Your lead author in the House, your lead author in the Senate, they're already talking. They've been talking through the whole process,' Bonnen explained. In fact, the other conferees are more symbolic and only provide a signature once an agreement has been made between the bill authors. Mark Strama, a former state lawmaker, and Bonnen both agreed they forgot they were conferees on a conference committee until they were asked to sign on to the final language of the bill. For a bill to pass out of conference committee it needs three signatures of approval from each coalition of conferees. It then goes back to each chamber for final approval from the full body. A majority of conference committees work just like that, but there are instances where legislation is significant enough that all members of the conference committee are contributing to the solution. One prime example is the appropriations bill, which funds the state over a two-year period. 'They're bigger issues. They're more significant. There's more volume to be dealt with,' Bonnen explained. This session, Bonnen believes the state's Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) is one of those bills that will need all hands on deck. Negotiations between the Senate and House have been ongoing for the past couple of weeks as the legislature moved to ban all hemp-derived intoxicants. There is a push to expand the TCUP to allow more people to be eligible for the medical cannabis program, and make it easier for patients to get their prescription. Strama also pointed out that conference committees can be used to revive bills that died either on the chamber floor or in committees. For the most part, conference committees are deciding between the differences in a House-approved and Senate-approved bill. But there is a procedure where the committee conferees could go out of bounds to add in additional provisions from other bills. It's known as going 'out of bounds.' To do this, the conference committee would have to go to each floor and ask for a resolution to go out of bounds. A majority of both chambers would need to approve that resolution. 'When you're out of power, you're looking for ways to stretch a conference committee report to extend to something to one of your bills that failed,' Strama said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Legislature OKs expansion of medical marijuana program as THC ban heads to Abbott
After days of contentious back-and-forth between the two Texas legislative chambers, the Senate late Tuesday night approved an expansion to the state's medical marijuana program. House Bill 46, by Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, will expand the Texas Compassionate Use Program fourfold, upping the number of available dispensary licenses from the current three to 12 statewide. It passed the Senate unanimously after the House and Senate struck a deal to include chronic pain, terminal disease and hospice care as qualifying conditions for a cannabis prescription. The expanded medical program also adds aerosol cannabis products like vapes, along with patches and lotions. More: As Texas weighs banning consumable hemp containing THC, Austin shop sees 'stock buying' The deal marks a détente between the House and Senate on the subject as a sweeping ban on THC products is on its way to the governor's desk. The Senate had stripped House provisions for chronic pain as a qualifying condition for the Compassionate Use Program, drawing fierce blowback from House members who later pushed for the condition to be reinstated. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Senate want to ban intoxicating hemp products — which have been legal in Texas since 2019 — through Senate Bill 3, which was passed by both chambers in recent weeks. The House's version of the proposal instead called for increased regulation of THC product sales, but the upper chamber's version of the bill won the day. It's not yet clear if Gov. Greg Abbott plans to sign the bill. In a news conference Wednesday, during which Patrick displayed an array of THC products and sharply criticized members of the media for coverage of the THC ban and resulting inter-chamber conflict, the bill's author praised the TCUP expansion, which he said will still serve those who use THC medicinally while curbing dangerous hemp products. 'We promised on the front end, when we get rid of the bad stuff, we'll find a way to thread the needle for those that have found benefit,' said Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock. 'I think it's the relief we promised. … We're expanding the things that we believe are legitimate needs that can be met through a responsible delivery system.' This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Legislature OKs expansion of medical marijuana program, THC ban
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Texas Expanding Legal Cannabis Access Before Wider Ban
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas could be set to expand access to legal cannabis after a wider ban of THC products was passed in the state House last week. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said on Monday that he had had a "positive conversation" with State Representative Tom Oliverson about expanding eligibility for the state's medical marijuana program, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). Under the new plans, chronic pain, terminal illness and hospice care would become qualifying conditions for eligibility. Newsweek has contacted Patrick and Oliverson's offices for comment outside of regular working hours. Marijuana plants being grown in Manchaca, Texas. Marijuana plants being grown in Manchaca, Texas. Eric Gay/AP Why It Matters The dual-track legislative push represents a significant shift for Texas, which could soon have some of the strictest THC product bans in the U.S., while also increasing access to medical marijuana for select patients. A poll from the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs indicated that more than 60 percent of Texas residents support legalizing marijuana. What To Know On Wednesday last week, the State House voted to ban all consumable THC hemp products. If Senate Bill 3 is signed into law, the TCUP will become the only way for people in the state to access THC products. House Bill 46 is now being pushed forward by lawmakers, as it would expand the number of people eligible for the medical marijuana program. Lieutenant Governor Patrick said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday that he and Representative Oliverson would be expanding licenses to 12 new dispensary organizations across the state. He added that they would look to add satellite locations in each public health region of the state "for the first time ever," meaning patients would have improved access to the program. In House Bill 46, people with glaucoma, degenerative disc disease and honorably discharged veterans would also be among the individuals eligible for medical marijuana. Lawmakers now face mounting pressure to move the House bill forward, as SB 3 is getting closer to being signed into law. What People Are Saying Lieutenant Governor Patrick wrote in a post on X on Monday: "The Senate and my concern has always been that we don't want to go back to the days of doctors writing prescriptions for anyone who paid them for a prescription for pain pills. "The Texas Medical Board has put in strong guidelines to prevent that from happening over the last decade. Dr. Oliverson presented a new thoughtful plan that the Senate and I can support that will help those in true need of relief. "I thank Dr. Oliverson for working with the Senate to find a truly amazing expansion of TCUP for those in need of help." What Happens Next House Bill 46 is continuing to progress through the legislative process, but is still a number of steps behind Senate Bill 3.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas reps rally against Senate amendment pruning medical marijuana expansion
The Brief The Texas Senate has passed an amendment that narrows the scope of a bill expanding medical marijuana use, reducing eligible patients. The Senate's version cuts conditions like chronic pain and traumatic brain injury, which were included in the House-passed bill. Texas House representatives are expressing strong disapproval, vowing to fight for the original, broader expansion. AUSTIN - An amendment passed by the Texas Senate to a bill defining medical marijuana use in the state greatly reduces applicable patients compared to the version passed by the House. Some Texas representatives are less than happy about the change. The backstory HB 46, or the Compassionate-Use Program (TCUP) bill, would expand Texas' limited medical marijuana program for applicable users. The House on May 13 passed a version of the bill that would have included in the expansion honorably discharged veterans who would benefit from use, those experiencing chronic pain, glaucoma, traumatic brain injury, spinal neuropathy, Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases, degenerative disc disease and patients with a terminal illness or condition for which a patient is receiving hospice of palliative care. The House passed the bill 122-21. What's Changed On Friday night, the Senate Committee on State Affairs added a new amendment to the proposed legislation that would reduce the new list of applicable users. The amended version would cut chronic pain, TBI and other conditions from those included in the new parameters. It also dramatically cuts the number of new licenses to be issued. What they're saying Rep. Daniel Alders (R-Tyler) began the House's outcry on X by expanding on a post explaining the changes to the bill. "One of the main reasons why many representatives voted yes on SB3 was because the Texas House passed legislation specifically expanding TCUP," Alders said on the social media platform. "At minimum the Senate needs to expand the program to include: - Chronic pain and TBI traumatic brain injury - More license holders - Prescription by mail. We must get this right." Rep. Katrina Pierson (R-Rockwall) said on X that she agrees "100%" with Alders' statement. Rep. Tim Oliverson (R-Cypress), one of the authors of HB 46, also expressed displeasure at the altering of the proposal. "I am deeply disappointed in the removal of chronic pain and TBI from the Senate version of HB46. I am working tirelessly to get it back in the bill," Oliverson said on X. "Without these qualifying conditions and more access than what is currently contemplated, I am concerned about the effect of SB3 on Texans with legitimate medical conditions." Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) also spoke out on X. "Last week I voted to expand TCUP, the Texas Compassionate Use Program," Schatzline said. "I hope & believe that the Senate will keep the expansion for: - Chronic pain and TBI traumatic brain injury - More license holders - Prescription by mail." Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock), the current Speaker of the House, reposed each of these statements on his X account. Burrows has yet to post a statement of his own. At the time of the statements, Burrows was presiding over a House hearing. Dig deeper A sweeping bill equating to a near-total ban on THC products is currently nearing the governor's approval. SB 3 would prohibit the sale or use of THC products that were legalized via a loophole created in a 2019 expansion of the hemp industry in Texas. SB 3 was passed by the Senate before being amended in the House, and was passed to its third and final reading this week. Small business owners are leading the pack in opposition of the bill. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a major proponent of the proposal, believes the thousands of businesses peddling the products are a detriment to the state. Owners and employees of those smoke and vape stores, on the other hand, are concerned about the loss of business, revenue and a fortune in tax dollars. What's next Now that an amended substitute to HB 46 has passed out of committee, it must next be heard before the full Senate. If passed, the bill would then be sent back to the House, where it may be either passed in its new form or reverted to the original text. If the House and Senate cannot come to an agreement on the provisions in the bill, the proposed legislation will not make it to the governor's desk. The Source Information in this article comes from Texas Legislature Online and public X accounts for Texas elected officials.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawmakers hope to expand medical marijuana program as state bans intoxicating hemp products
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas House of Representatives is set to ban hemp-derived products that can make a consumer feel high, closing a loophole on unregulated intoxicants but also creating concerns it will negatively impact Texans who rely on the products to treat their chronic pain. After hours of debate on the House floor Wednesday night, a bill to ban all consumable hemp products containing THC passed a key vote. Both sides of the aisle agreed the current state of unregulated THC products, the intoxicating compound in marijuana, needed to be fixed to protect children and users. However, both sides seemed to differ on how to do that. A majority of Democrats supported regulation while a majority of Republicans supported prohibition. A lot of the debate centered around the state's medical marijuana program, called the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP). State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, a Democrat from Houston, raised concerns for the veteran community. 'You're taking away potentially their freedom to choose this product that in their own words saved their lives,' Morales Shaw said from the back microphone. State Rep. Tom Oliverson, R – Cypress, who wrote the amendment that changed the bill from a regulation on THC to a complete ban, sympathized with those concerns but argued the proper help for veterans would need to come from the state's regulated TCUP. 'I don't ever want somebody to be denied access to a medication that may be a benefit,' Oliverson said. There is a push at the Texas Capitol to expand the TCUP. The program launched in 2015 for epileptic children and has since slowly grown to include more people, including those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It provides low-THC cannabis to patients with a proper prescription from a physician. There are currently three licensed dispensing organizations that cultivate and deliver the products to patients. Nico Richardson is the CEO of Texas Original Compassionate Cultivation, one of the dispensing organizations based in south Austin. Richardson says one of the main issues for the TCUP is accessibility. He says when a patient makes an order they will either have to drive to the main facility of the organization, meet the organization at a pick-up location, or have the product delivered to their house. The size of Texas creates a long waiting period for the patients, Richardson explained. But even more of a problem lies in the pickup locations. 'The problem with that is with the pickup locations, we're not actually able to keep any of our medicine there. It all has to stay in Austin. So that means someone has to order from us the night before, online or via telephone, and then we have to drive the medicine to that pickup location,' Richardson explained. 'We have to drive the medicine there that morning and wait for the patient to come and pick it up. If the patient doesn't show up, we have to drive it back to Austin, put it back into our vault in our main facility.' A new bill that has already passed the House, House Bill 46, will increase the number of licenses available for dispensing organizations from three to 15. It will also allow organizations to store products at satellite locations to avoid the logistical nightmare, with an emphasis on making sure the locations are spread equitably throughout the state. The bill would also expand the number of patients allowed to join the program by increasing eligibility. If passed, anyone with a chronic condition that a physician would otherwise prescribe opioids would now be eligible in TCUP. The bill would also expand the amount of products. Currently, patients can receive their medicine in the form of an edible or a tincture. HB 46 would allow low-THC to be administered by pulmonary inhalation which would allow for a quicker reaction for the consumer. Lawmakers questioned whether the TCUP bill would pass the Senate as it had in the House. During the debate on Wednesday night, the head of the Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, posted on social media that he supports expanding the TCUP. 'We will expand licenses and have satellite locations for the first time for prescribed products from doctors for our veterans and those in need,' the social media post read. The bill was recently left pending in the Senate Committee on State Affairs. May 28 is the last day the Senate can consider any bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
