Texas House Bill HB3794

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulation of the manufacture and sale of wine and certain related activities; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The bill's amendments significantly modernize existing laws governing the manufacture and sale of wine in Texas. By introducing the grower's permit, the legislation is designed to enhance local agricultural producers' ability to engage with the wine industry, potentially benefiting Texas’s economy. Moreover, the bill's provisions for the storage and transportation of wine aim to simplify compliance for permit holders while ensuring that wine products can be transported out of state under specific regulations. This can facilitate greater interstate commerce for Texas-made wines.

Summary

House Bill 3794 proposes modifications to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code aimed at regulating the manufacture and sale of wine along with other related activities. It establishes a new category called the grower's permit, which allows individuals in the state engaged in fruit production to sell their products to wineries and participate in the wine manufacturing process. The bill also delineates the responsibilities of permit holders, such as maintaining records of wine sales and adhering to specific licensing requirements, including an annual fee of $150 for the grower's permit.

Contention

Opponents of HB 3794 may raise concerns regarding the complexities introduced by the new permit system, particularly the potential for regulatory burden on small producers who may struggle with compliance costs. Additionally, the legislation's changes to transportation rules could be contentious, especially if they affect existing intra-state sale dynamics. Overall, while the bill is positioned as a way to bolster local production and improve the wine market in Texas, it may face scrutiny regarding its implementation and effects on smaller wineries and growers.