Lawmakers Urge Abbott to Add Ivermectin to Special Session

A group of 20 Republican lawmakers in the Texas House is urging Governor Greg Abbott (R) to include the reclassification of ivermectin as an over-the-counter medication in the upcoming July 21 special legislative session.

In a letter spearheaded by state Rep. Joanne Shofner (R), the lawmakers urged Governor Abbott to prioritize what they described as a "medical liberty" measure.

The letter emphasized conservative values, stating, “enhancing access to safe, affordable treatments like Ivermectin reflects the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government – values that continue to define strong conservative leadership in our state.”

State Rep. Shofner previously introduced House Bill 3219 during the regular session, which sought to empower the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to allow the sale of ivermectin without a prescription. HB 3219 also proposed a pharmacist reporting requirement to track ivermectin sales. While it passed the House Public Health Committee in April with over 600 public comments in support, it ultimately stalled before reaching a full floor vote.

Support for the effort is also growing outside the Capitol.

State Rep. Shofner noted that a petition to include the issue in the special session already has over 5,000 signatures from Texans across the state.

Texans for Vaccine Choice, which is a grassroots medical freedom group, has been actively promoting the petition to increase public pressure on Governor Abbott.

If the effort is successful, the Lone Star state would join Idaho, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana, which have already passed similar legislation reclassifying ivermectin.

Governor Abbott has the power to add issues to the special session’s agenda at any point before or during the 30-day period.