TX
Texas Senate Bill SB261

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB261

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of Senate Committee
4/1/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/12/25  
Out of House Committee
5/21/25  
Voted on by House
5/25/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on the offering for sale and the sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption; providing civil and criminal penalties.

Impact

The enactment of SB261 significantly alters the existing landscape of food safety regulations regarding innovative food products. By prohibiting the sale of cell-cultured protein until at least September 2027, it places Texas at odds with states that are more accepting of lab-grown food technologies. This could impede local innovation in food science and potentially affect Texas' market position in food production. Additionally, the mandatory labeling can create confusion among consumers if such products are not permitted, leaving a gap in consumer information.

Summary

SB261 is a legislative measure aimed at prohibiting the sale and offering for sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption in Texas. The bill defines 'cell-cultured protein' as a food product derived from harvesting animal cells and artificially replicating those cells in a growth medium, requiring that such products be properly labeled if ever allowed. The bill introduces civil and criminal penalties for violations, reinforcing the seriousness of compliance with this regulation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB261 has been mixed, with proponents emphasizing food safety concerns and the importance of maintaining traditional agriculture practices, while opponents argue it stifles innovation and may impede the development of more sustainable food options. Advocates for the ban believe that cell-cultured meat could undermine the dairy and livestock industries, while advocates for these technologies argue for the potential benefits of lab-grown protein in addressing food shortages and environmental impacts of traditional farming.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions around SB261 include debates on food safety, consumer rights, and the role of regulation in fostering or hindering innovation. While supporters argue that the prohibition ensures consumer protection and promotes traditional farming practices, critics claim it curtails advancements in food technology that could provide ethical and environmental benefits. This bill exemplifies the tension between preserving traditional agricultural methods and embracing new food production technologies.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 431. Texas Food, Drug, And Cosmetic Act
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 081
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0211
    • Section: 0805
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0211
    • Section: 081
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 433. Texas Meat And Poultry Inspection Act
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0415
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0415
    • Section: 0415
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0415
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0415
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0415
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB1431

Identical Relating to certain prohibited acts with respect to cell-cultured protein for human consumption.

TX SB822

Same As Relating to the prohibited manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein.

Previously Filed As

TX SB664

Relating to the labeling of analogue and cell-cultured products.

TX HB1788

Relating to the labeling of analogue and cell-cultured products.

TX SB497

Relating to the processing and sale of kratom and kratom products; providing civil penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB861

Relating to the processing and sale of kratom and kratom products; providing civil penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4364

Relating to prohibiting certain sales and purchases of firearms; creating criminal offenses; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB3996

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1274

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB7

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB5

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB73

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.