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SB 984

Relating to access to individualized investigational treatments for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt

Texas SB 984 permits terminally ill patients to access unapproved experimental treatments outside FDA approval channels while limiting manufacturer and physician liability.

Effective on 9/1/25
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Bill Summary · SB 984

Legislative bill overview

SB 984 expands access to investigational treatments for Texas patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses who have exhausted standard medical options. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing patients to access experimental drugs, biologics, and devices outside of traditional FDA approval pathways, commonly referred to as "right-to-try" legislation.

Why is this important

This law directly affects terminally ill and severely ill Texans by potentially providing access to treatments that may not yet be proven safe and effective through conventional FDA processes. It also creates liability protections for manufacturers and physicians participating in expanded access programs, which could accelerate development pathways for experimental therapies while shifting certain risks to patients.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety vs. access trade-off: Patients may access unproven treatments without full safety data, potentially delaying or preventing pursuit of established palliative care or standard treatments that could actually extend life
  • Informed consent standards: Questions remain about whether patients in desperate medical situations can truly provide voluntary informed consent, or whether terminal illness creates undue pressure to try experimental options
  • Manufacturer liability limitations: The bill's protections for drug and device manufacturers may shield companies from accountability if experimental treatments cause serious harm, raising questions about corporate accountability versus patient protection

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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