S.B. No. 6 seeks to regulate consumable hemp products and hemp-derived cannabinoids in Texas by establishing comprehensive licensing requirements and imposing fees for manufacturers and retailers. The bill defines "consumable hemp product" as items suitable for human ingestion, absorption, or inhalation, and introduces a new definition for "minor" as individuals under 21 years of age. It exempts low-THC cannabis and certain research activities from these regulations while instituting rigorous testing and registration requirements. Key provisions include a $10,000 initial licensing fee for manufacturers, a $20,000 annual registration fee for retailers, and a $500 application fee for product registration, along with mandates for product testing and labeling.

The bill also criminalizes the distribution, sale, or possession of unregistered consumable hemp products, classifying these offenses as Class B misdemeanors, while violations related to marketing to minors are classified as Class A misdemeanors. It outlines penalties for selling consumable hemp products to minors and for manufacturing or selling products intended for smoking. Additionally, the bill allows for administrative enforcement by the Department of Health and Human Services, including the investigation of complaints and imposition of fines. Several sections of the existing Health and Safety Code are repealed, and the bill requires new rules to be adopted by February 1, 2026, with the Act taking effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 431.011, Health and Safety Code 443.001, Health and Safety Code 443.051, Health and Safety Code 443.104, Health and Safety Code 443.151, Health and Safety Code 443.152, Health and Safety Code 443.2025, Health and Safety Code 443.203, Health and Safety Code 443.204, Health and Safety Code 443.205, Health and Safety Code 443.206, Health and Safety Code 443.207 (Health and Safety Code 431, Health and Safety Code 443)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 431.011, Health and Safety Code 443.001, Health and Safety Code 443.051, Health and Safety Code 443.104, Health and Safety Code 443.151, Health and Safety Code 443.152, Health and Safety Code 443.2025, Health and Safety Code 443.203, Health and Safety Code 443.204, Health and Safety Code 443.205, Health and Safety Code 443.206, Health and Safety Code 443.207 (Health and Safety Code 431, Health and Safety Code 443)