Bill

HB 2755

86(R) - 2019
House County Affairs
Senate Intergovernmental Relations
House County Affairs
Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Fees

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Four Price
Garnet F. Coleman
Dan Huberty

Sponsor(s)

Carol Alvarado

Bill Caption

Relating to the amount of certain county and public health district fees.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 2755 would amend maximum fees for the issuing of food establishment permits by counties and public health districts to not exceed amounts necessary to recover costs for conducting inspections and other administrative costs related to the permit. In most counties this fee is currently capped at $150. This bill would likely lead to a significant increase in permit fees for affected food establishments. Among other things, this would affect food trucks and roadside food vendors as well as meat, poultry, and seafood vendors at farmers markets.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action opposes HB 2755 because it violates principles of free markets and limited government. This bill would expand government by increasing permit fees in a way that would disproportionately affect small local businesses. These businesses already suffer from significant regulatory compliance costs. Allowing counties to add to those costs will simply increase barriers to entry for these businesses and make it more difficult for them to start, or stay, in business. We oppose HB 2755.