The bill, titled H.B. No. 1431, seeks to prohibit the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein in the state of Texas. It introduces a new definition for "cell-cultured protein" in Section 431.002 of the Health and Safety Code, describing it as a food product derived from harvesting animal cells and artificially replicating those cells in a growth medium to produce tissue. Additionally, the bill amends Section 431.021 to include the prohibition of cell-cultured protein as an unlawful act, thereby expanding the list of prohibited acts related to food safety and labeling.

Furthermore, the bill adds Section 433.057 to the Health and Safety Code, explicitly stating that no person may engage in the activities related to cell-cultured protein as defined earlier. It also clarifies that this prohibition takes precedence over any conflicting state laws. The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes, and the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 431.002, Health and Safety Code 431.021, Health and Safety Code 431.081 (Health and Safety Code 431)