Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1290

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to food safety.

Impact

The impact of HB 1290 could lead to significant changes in how food businesses are regulated in Texas. By removing licensing requirements for businesses that meet the outlined exceptions, the bill could ease operational burdens on small farmers and vendors. Additionally, the introduction of a food safety education program is expected to uplift standards across the board, minimizing food safety risks and promoting better compliance with health regulations. This dual approach aims to balance the needs of food businesses with the overarching goal of public health security.

Summary

House Bill 1290, relating to food safety, proposed amendments to the Health and Safety Code to refine the licensing requirements and establish a food safety education program. The bill aims to improve food safety practices by enabling certain businesses to operate without a license if they meet specific criteria, such as those who solely harvest, package, or wash raw fruits or vegetables. Additionally, it introduces a new section that establishes a food safety best practice education program to enhance training for businesses within the jurisdiction, ensuring they meet established regulations.

Sentiment

Opinions surrounding the bill were generally positive among constituents involved in the agriculture and food business sectors, who viewed it as a means to simplify existing regulations and promote local food production. Conversely, some public health advocacy groups expressed concern, fearing that the lack of a strict licensing process might lead to challenges in enforcing food safety. The sentiment reflects a broader debate about the need to protect consumer health while fostering economic growth in local food markets.

Contention

Notable points of contention arose, particularly around the implications of loosening licensing requirements. Opponents of the bill argued that relaxing these regulations could lead to a decrease in food safety oversight, potentially endangering public health. They advocated for maintaining rigorous standards in food safety inspections, cautioning that the proposed changes might contradict existing safeguards. Supporters countered this by emphasizing the necessity for education and training, asserting that the establishment of a certification program would serve as an adequate measure to ensure safety without imposing excessive regulatory burdens.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB577

Relating to regulation of food service establishments, retail food stores, mobile food units, roadside food vendors, temporary food service establishments, and food managers.

TX HB3

Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.

TX SB121

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, delivery, sale, and research of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain medical conditions and the licensing of medical cannabis organizations; authorizing fees.

TX SB829

Relating to cottage food production operations.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX SB1785

Relating to the dissemination of criminal history record information by the Department of Public Safety.

TX HB4071

Relating to the licensing and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses.

TX HB1831

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and the local regulation of cannabis establishments; providing for expunction of records relating to certain decriminalized conduct; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX HB1937

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and local regulation of cannabis establishments; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX SB209

Relating to regulating the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.