Relating to imposing a tax on animal-tested cosmetics; providing a penalty.
Impact
This bill has significant implications for state law, specifically targeting the regulation of cosmetic products that involve animal testing. By imposing this tax, the legislation seeks to incentivize manufacturers and retailers to adopt cruelty-free practices or switch to alternatives that do not require animal testing. The revenue generated from this tax will be directed to the general revenue fund, potentially providing a financial resource for animal welfare initiatives and related enforcement actions.
Summary
House Bill 3079, introduced by Representative Uresti, aims to impose a tax on cosmetics that have undergone animal testing, signaling a legislative push towards reducing animal cruelty in the beauty industry. The tax rate is set at 2.25% of the sale price of such cosmetics sold within the state of Texas. The provisions include not only the tax itself but also regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of animal-tested cosmetics, with guidelines for retailers on record-keeping and reporting their sales to the comptroller.
Contention
However, the bill may face scrutiny from both supporters and opponents alike. Advocates for animal rights may welcome the initiative as a step towards ethical consumerism, while some business entities might argue that the tax could lead to higher prices and reduced competitiveness within the cosmetics market. There could be concerns regarding how this tax aligns with existing regulatory frameworks and the administrative burden it may place on small businesses required to maintain detailed records and comply with monthly reporting requirements.
Relating to an excise tax on, and storage, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements for, certain nontobacco nicotine products; providing a civil penalty; imposing a tax.
Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.
Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.
Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the collection, remittance, and administration of certain taxes on motor vehicles rented through a marketplace rental provider; imposing a penalty.
Relating to the collection, remittance, and administration of certain taxes on motor vehicles rented through a marketplace rental provider; imposing a penalty.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of property tax professionals from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to the comptroller of public accounts; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller of public accounts.
Relating to a Pan American Games trust fund, an Olympic Games trust fund, a Major Events trust fund, a Motor Sports Racing trust fund, and an Events trust fund for sporting and non-sporting events, and to the abolishment of the special event trust fund.