S.B. No. 53 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the production and sale of consumable hemp products and hemp beverages in Texas. The bill mandates the creation of a new state agency responsible for licensing and regulating these products, including the imposition of occupational licenses, permits, and associated fees. It introduces significant amendments to the Agriculture Code and Alcoholic Beverage Code to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to define key terms related to hemp products. Notably, references to the Health and Safety Code are removed in favor of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, effective January 1, 2027. The legislation also establishes an advisory committee to assist in developing regulations and licensing systems, with a deadline for a comprehensive report set for December 31, 2026.

The bill outlines specific regulations for the manufacture, sale, and distribution of hemp beverages, including labeling requirements, age restrictions for consumers and employees, and advertising limitations to prevent marketing to minors. It introduces a structured application process for licensing, including a surety bond requirement and a comprehensive fee structure. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for violations, including the suspension or cancellation of licenses for non-compliance. It also allows local option elections to determine the legality of hemp product sales in specific jurisdictions. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure public safety, compliance with existing laws, and the responsible marketing of consumable hemp products while generating tax revenue for state services.

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 (Election Code 501, Alcoholic Beverage Code 66, Alcoholic Beverage Code 62, Occupations Code 60, Alcoholic Beverage Code 101, Alcoholic Beverage Code 11, Agriculture Code 122, Transportation Code 545, Alcoholic Beverage Code 109, Alcoholic Beverage Code 251, Alcoholic Beverage Code 203, Alcoholic Beverage Code 41, Alcoholic Beverage Code 1, Subchapter A, Chapter , Tax Code 350, Transportation Code 1, Alcoholic Beverage Code 28, Alcoholic Beverage Code 305, Chapter , Health and Safety Code 340, Alcoholic Beverage Code 106, Alcoholic Beverage Code 107, Agriculture Code 121, Alcoholic Beverage Code 5, Alcoholic Beverage Code 32, Government Code 411, Alcoholic Beverage Code 74, Health and Safety Code 431, Alcoholic Beverage Code 61, Alcoholic Beverage Code 64)