Bill

HB 3664

85(R) - 2017
House Agriculture & Livestock
House Agriculture & Livestock
Agriculture
Alcoholic Beverage Code

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Tracy King

Bill Caption

Relating to the establishment of a program for marketing, promotion, research, and education efforts regarding Texas wine; authorizing assessments.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, commodity producer boards exist to encourage the research, production, marketing, and use of agricultural commodities. HB 3664 would authorize the Texas Wine Foundation to petition the commissioner of agriculture for the establishment of a commodity producer board for wine. The foundation would be authorized to accept gifts, grants, donations, and governmental fund appropriations to finance board operations. The board would be authorized to create a wine checkoff program and levy assessments on wineries.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill infringes on the principle of limited government by encouraging the creation of a board which can receive state funding and impose levies on wineries, but funds for which are not considered state funds. As this would open the door for increased state spending to facilitate an activity the free market is already fully capable of accomplishing, we oppose HB 3664. The Texas wine industry can form a private association and collect dues from association members to do their own research, marketing, education and promotion without involving the state whatsoever.