The proposed bill, S.B. No. 1484, aims to regulate the marketing and sale of catfish and similar fish by food service establishments, suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, and wholesale distributors in Texas. It introduces a new subchapter to the Health and Safety Code, defining key terms such as "catfish," "distributor," "food service establishment," "food service supplier," "wholesaler," and "wholesale distributor." The bill stipulates that these entities may only label a product as catfish if it contains actual catfish and not any similar species. Additionally, it mandates that any product containing fish similar to catfish must clearly identify the species and country of origin on its packaging.

To enforce compliance, the bill establishes administrative and civil penalties for violations. The relevant authorities can impose penalties based on the severity of the violation, with each day of non-compliance considered a separate violation. It also provides an affirmative defense for establishments that can demonstrate they believed, in good faith, that the fish they sold was catfish. The bill clarifies that individuals may face either an administrative or civil penalty for the same conduct, but not both. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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