89R9347 SCF-D
By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 4686
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the Texas alcohol tourism development program and
advisory committee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 481, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter HH to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER HH. TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Sec. 481.701. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "program"
means the Texas alcohol tourism development program established
under this subchapter.
Sec. 481.702. TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
(a) The office shall establish the Texas alcohol tourism
development program to develop and market alcohol tourism in this
state.
(b) The program shall:
(1) using market research develop an alcoholic
beverage industry marketing plan to:
(A) increase tourism to wineries, breweries, and
distilleries in this state; and
(B) promote the consumption of and access to
wine, beer, and distilled spirits produced in this state;
(2) develop and maintain a list of the locations of
wineries, breweries, and distilleries in this state;
(3) post on a publicly accessible Internet website and
annually update a list of the locations of wineries, breweries, and
distilleries in this state that offer tours and tastings;
(4) promote wineries, breweries, and distilleries in
this state when promoting this state as a tourism destination;
(5) educate consumers about the wine, beer, and
distilled spirits produced in this state; and
(6) promote, market, and educate consumers about the
alcoholic beverage industry in this state using any other method
the office determines is appropriate.
Sec. 481.703. TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE. (a) In this section, "advisory committee" means the
Texas alcohol tourism development advisory committee established
under this section.
(b) The Texas alcohol tourism development advisory
committee is established to advise the office on the development of
alcohol tourism in this state.
(c) The advisory committee is composed of the following nine
members appointed by the governor:
(1) a holder of a distiller's and rectifier's permit
issued under Chapter 14, Alcoholic Beverage Code;
(2) a holder of a winery permit issued under Chapter
16, Alcoholic Beverage Code;
(3) a holder of a brewer's license issued under Chapter
62, Alcoholic Beverage Code;
(4) a member of a chamber of commerce in this state;
(5) a researcher or educator specializing in economic
development;
(6) a member of the public who is not affiliated with
the alcoholic beverage industry;
(7) a representative of the office;
(8) a representative of the Texas Department of
Transportation; and
(9) a commissioner of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission.
(d) The advisory committee shall:
(1) propose methods to market and increase the alcohol
tourism industry in this state, as provided by Section 481.702;
(2) develop a plan and schedule to implement the
marketing and growth methods proposed under Subdivision (1); and
(3) propose a budget and spending plan for the office
to implement the plan and the program.
(e) Not later than September 1, 2026, the advisory committee
shall submit a report to the office and legislature detailing the
committee's proposed methods, plans, and budget, as required by
this section.
(f) The advisory committee is abolished and this section
expires January 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act:
(1) the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office
shall establish the Texas alcohol tourism development program as
required by Section 481.702, Government Code, as added by this Act;
and
(2) the governor shall appoint the members of the
Texas alcohol tourism development advisory committee established
under Section 481.703, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.