Texas House Bill HB3079

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

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.