H.B. No. 3519 introduces a new legal framework in the Texas Agriculture Code that prohibits the cultivation of castor beans, specifically the plant Ricinus communis, which contains the toxin ricin. The bill adds a new subtitle and chapter to the code, defining key terms such as "castor bean" and "cultivate," which encompasses activities like planting, irrigating, growing, and harvesting.
Under the new provisions, it is classified as a Class C misdemeanor for any individual to cultivate castor beans for commercial purposes. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, establishing a clear legal stance against the cultivation of this potentially hazardous plant.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()