Bill: SB 95, 85(R) - 2017

Committee

Senate Health & Human Services

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Positive Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive

Author(s)

Bob Hall

Bill Caption

Relating to the regulation of raw milk and raw milk products; adding a provision subject to a criminal penalty.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, raw milk and raw milk products can only be sold at the point of production (the farm). SB 95 would allow the sale of raw milk and raw milk products at farmers’ markets, the seller’s place of business, and through direct-to-consumer distribution.

SB 95 would require the executive commissioner to adopt rules for safe handling and would maintain the authority of municipalities to only allow the sale of pasteurized products in retail markets. This bill would also put in place safety requirements for containment and transportation, requires warning labels to be affixed to products, and would allow the request of inspection reports.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill supports the free market by enabling the sale of raw milk products in more venues and fostering competition. It also supports individual liberty by making it easier for individuals to choose to purchase raw milk if they so desire. For these reasons we support SB 95.

Organizations Opposed

Texas Environmental Health Association

Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 01:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/85r/sb95?print_view=true