BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 261 89R4500 SRA-F By: Perry Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs 3/25/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Cell-cultured protein is made by harvesting animal cells and growing them in a bioreactor to produce tissue-based food products. The United States is one of only three countries that allow the sale of cell-cultured meat. However, multiple states have banned or considered banning its use. The introduction of lab-grown meat could disrupt traditional livestock markets, affecting rural economies and family farms. There are concerns over transparency in labeling, risk of contamination, and the long-term health impacts of consuming cell-cultured products. S.B. 261 would prohibit the production and sale of cell-cultured protein products within Texas to protect consumers and support traditional agriculture. As proposed, S.B. 261 amends current law relating to the prohibited manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 5 of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 431.002, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subdivision (5-a) to define "cell-cultured protein." SECTION 2. Amends Section 431.021, Health and Safety Code, to provide that certain acts and the causing of certain acts within this state are unlawful and prohibited, including the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, or sale of cell-cultured protein, and to make nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 3. Amends Section 431.081, Health and Safety Code, to require that food be deemed to be adulterated in certain circumstances, including if it contains, in whole or in part, cell-cultured protein, and to make nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 4. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 433, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 433.057, as follows: Sec. 433.057. PROHIBITION ON CELL-CULTURED PROTEIN. (a) Defines "cell-cultured protein." (b) Prohibits a person from manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, offering for sale, or selling cell-cultured protein. (c) Provides that, to the extent another state law conflicts with this section, this section controls. SECTION 5. Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to adopt any rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act. SECTION 6. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 261
89R4500 SRA-F By: Perry
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
3/25/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 261
89R4500 SRA-F
By: Perry
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
3/25/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Cell-cultured protein is made by harvesting animal cells and growing them in a bioreactor to produce tissue-based food products.
The United States is one of only three countries that allow the sale of cell-cultured meat. However, multiple states have banned or considered banning its use.
The introduction of lab-grown meat could disrupt traditional livestock markets, affecting rural economies and family farms. There are concerns over transparency in labeling, risk of contamination, and the long-term health impacts of consuming cell-cultured products.
S.B. 261 would prohibit the production and sale of cell-cultured protein products within Texas to protect consumers and support traditional agriculture.
As proposed, S.B. 261 amends current law relating to the prohibited manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 5 of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 431.002, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subdivision (5-a) to define "cell-cultured protein."
SECTION 2. Amends Section 431.021, Health and Safety Code, to provide that certain acts and the causing of certain acts within this state are unlawful and prohibited, including the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, or sale of cell-cultured protein, and to make nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 431.081, Health and Safety Code, to require that food be deemed to be adulterated in certain circumstances, including if it contains, in whole or in part, cell-cultured protein, and to make nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 4. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 433, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 433.057, as follows:
Sec. 433.057. PROHIBITION ON CELL-CULTURED PROTEIN. (a) Defines "cell-cultured protein."
(b) Prohibits a person from manufacturing, processing, possessing, distributing, offering for sale, or selling cell-cultured protein.
(c) Provides that, to the extent another state law conflicts with this section, this section controls.
SECTION 5. Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to adopt any rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act.
SECTION 6. Effective date: September 1, 2025.