H.B. No. 519 amends the Health and Safety Code to redefine "honey production operation" by removing the term "small" and clarifying that it refers to beekeepers who produce pure honey as defined by the Agriculture Code. The bill eliminates specific production and sales limitations previously outlined, such as the requirement to produce less than 2,500 pounds of honey annually and the stipulation that honey must be sold directly to consumers at designated locations. Additionally, it establishes that honey production operations are not classified as food service establishments and prohibits local governments from regulating these operations.

The bill also introduces a new section that classifies honey extraction and packaging as activities involving raw agricultural commodities, thereby exempting them from additional manufacturing or processing requirements. This change aims to simplify the regulatory framework for honey producers and enhance the clarity of labeling requirements. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 437.001, Health and Safety Code 437.0197 (Health and Safety Code 437)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 437.001, Health and Safety Code 437.0197 (Health and Safety Code 437)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 437.001, Health and Safety Code 437.0197 (Health and Safety Code 437)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 437.001, Health and Safety Code 437.0197 (Health and Safety Code 437)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 437.001, Health and Safety Code 437.0197 (Health and Safety Code 437)