The bill, S.B. No. 53, establishes a regulatory framework for the production and sale of consumable hemp products and hemp beverages in Texas, mandating the creation of a new state agency to oversee licensing and regulation. It introduces significant amendments to the Agriculture Code and Alcoholic Beverage Code, including the definition of terms related to hemp products and the imposition of occupational licenses, permits, and associated fees. The bill also removes references to the Health and Safety Code, effective January 1, 2027, and establishes an advisory committee to assist in developing licensing and enforcement systems. It ensures that the commission overseeing alcoholic beverages will also regulate consumable hemp products, promoting a comprehensive approach to oversight.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific regulations for the sale, distribution, and advertising of consumable hemp products, including labeling requirements, age verification for purchasers, and restrictions on marketing to minors. It mandates that all consumable hemp products undergo testing for THC concentration and establishes a fee structure for various licenses. The legislation also addresses penalties for violations, including the suspension or cancellation of licenses for non-compliance, and introduces provisions for local option elections regarding the sale of these products. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety and compliance within the emerging hemp industry while providing a structured framework for its operation in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Agriculture Code 121.003, Agriculture Code 122.001, Agriculture Code 122.101, Agriculture Code 122.151, Agriculture Code 122.301, Alcoholic Beverage Code 1.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.05, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.17, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.31, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.32, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.35, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.36, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.362, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.38, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.48, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5.57, Alcoholic Beverage Code 11.64, Alcoholic Beverage Code 28.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code 28.1001, Alcoholic Beverage Code 32.155, Alcoholic Beverage Code 41.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code 61.02, Alcoholic Beverage Code 61.13, Alcoholic Beverage Code 61.31, Alcoholic Beverage Code 61.314, Alcoholic Beverage Code 61.381, Alcoholic Beverage Code 61.421, Alcoholic Beverage Code 62.09, Alcoholic Beverage Code 64.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code 64.08, Alcoholic Beverage Code 64.09, Alcoholic Beverage Code 66.11, Alcoholic Beverage Code 74.08, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101.03, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101.31, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101.41, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101.66, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101.67, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101.6701, Alcoholic Beverage Code 305.001, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101.71, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.02, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.025, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.03, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.05, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.07, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.071, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.08, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.115, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106.13, Alcoholic Beverage Code 107.07, Alcoholic Beverage Code 107.11, Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code 109.21, Alcoholic Beverage Code 203.01, Alcoholic Beverage Code 251.71, Alcoholic Beverage Code 251.73, Election Code 501.001, Election Code 501.021, Election Code 501.023, Election Code 501.024, Election Code 501.025, Election Code 501.027, Election Code 501.028, Election Code 501.034, Election Code 501.035, Election Code 501.107, Election Code 501.109, Election Code 501.151, Election Code 501.154, Government Code 411.110, Health and Safety Code 431.011, Occupations Code 60.002, Subchapter A, Chapter , Tax Code 350.001, Transportation Code 1.04, Transportation Code 545.420, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 340.106 (Alcoholic Beverage Code 74, Alcoholic Beverage Code 107, Alcoholic Beverage Code 28, Government Code 411, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106, Subchapter A, Chapter , Tax Code 350, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 340, Agriculture Code 122, Alcoholic Beverage Code 32, Agriculture Code 121, Alcoholic Beverage Code 203, Alcoholic Beverage Code 41, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101, Alcoholic Beverage Code 1, Transportation Code 1, Alcoholic Beverage Code 62, Alcoholic Beverage Code 64, Transportation Code 545, Health and Safety Code 431, Alcoholic Beverage Code 251, Alcoholic Beverage Code 305, Election Code 501, Occupations Code 60, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5, Alcoholic Beverage Code 66, Alcoholic Beverage Code 11, Alcoholic Beverage Code 109, Alcoholic Beverage Code 61)