Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2620

Caption

Relating to the treatment of wineries during a state of disaster or emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB2620 would provide vital support to wineries in Texas during times of crisis, aligning their operations and regulatory treatment with that of restaurants, which could enhance their ability to remain operational and maintain revenue during disaster declarations. The bill's supporters assert that this measure is crucial for the survival of small businesses, particularly in the wine industry, by allowing them the necessary leeway to adapt to emergency regulations focused on public safety.

Summary

House Bill 2620 proposes amendments to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, specifically addressing the treatment of wineries during declared states of disaster or emergency. The bill stipulates that wineries should be treated identically to restaurants regarding any orders or directives issued by the governor or local governmental bodies that pertain to the operation of alcoholic beverage establishments under such circumstances. This legal parity aims to ensure that wineries can continue to operate under similar rules as restaurants when disaster conditions are declared, thereby safeguarding their interests during emergencies.

Contention

The reception of HB2620 highlights concerns about the fairness and consistency of regulations applied to different types of alcoholic beverage establishments during emergencies. Some stakeholders may argue that while this bill helps wineries, it also raises questions about other types of establishments and whether similar considerations will be granted to them. This potential disparity could lead to debates regarding the prioritization of business operations in the face of emergencies, with advocates for equitable treatment across all sectors potentially voicing opposition to the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1437

Relating to the establishment of the Emergency Powers Board and its powers during a declared state of disaster or public health disaster.

TX SB1104

Relating to the authority of the legislature, governor, and certain political subdivisions with respect to disasters and emergencies.

TX HB2654

Relating to the authority of the legislature, governor, and certain political subdivisions with respect to disasters and emergencies.

TX HB558

Relating to prohibiting certain limitations on the operation of certain organizations that benefit veterans during a declared state of disaster.

TX HB195

Relating to provisions and plans by public schools to ensure the safety of individuals with disabilities or impairments during a mandatory school drill or a disaster or emergency situation.

TX HB5060

Relating to the governor's power to control the sale, dispensing, transportation, storage, and use of alcoholic beverages, explosives, and combustibles during a declared state of disaster or state of emergency.

TX SB310

Relating to limitations on public health directives issued during a state of disaster or outbreak of a communicable disease.

TX HB145

Relating to prohibiting certain limitations on the operation of certain organizations that benefit veterans during certain declared states of disaster.

TX HB95

Relating to prohibiting certain limitations on the operation of certain organizations that benefit veterans during certain declared states of disaster.

TX HB3016

Relating to the amount of wine certain wineries may sell directly to consumers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.