| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Positive | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to the sampling of distilled spirits provided by the
manufacturer to a retailer of distilled spirits.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 1997 would loosen a variety of laws relating to the sampling of distilled spirits. The bill would allow distillers' and rectifiers' permits and their agents/employees to provide samples of distilled spirits to retail permit holders, including providing product tasting on the retailer's premises. The samples would be subject to some regulations and limitations, including being limited to 750 milliliters. The bill would additionally provide authorization for nonresident seller's permit holders and their agents to transport distilled spirits for a retailer's sampling or tasting.
Texas Action supports HB 1997 for promoting the principles of free markets, individual liberty and limited government. This is bill is relatively simple in subject matter and scope, but would allow more flexibility for distilleries to provide product samples and tastings without unnecessary government interference and regulation.