House Bill No. 3519 introduces a new legal framework within the Texas Agriculture Code that specifically addresses the cultivation of castor beans, defined as the plant Ricinus communis and its toxic components, particularly the seeds containing ricin. The bill establishes a new subtitle, "Prohibited Horticultural Products," and a dedicated chapter on castor beans, which includes definitions for "castor bean" and "cultivate."
The bill explicitly prohibits the cultivation of castor beans for commercial purposes, categorizing such an offense as a Class C misdemeanor. This legislative measure aims to mitigate the risks associated with the toxic nature of castor beans, thereby enhancing public safety. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()