Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Neutral | Positive | Neutral | Positive | Neutral |
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 3766 would allow grapes to be stored in a public storage warehouse, require that a receipt be given to the owner of the grapes, and that the grapes be deliverable on presentation of the receipt properly endorsed and with payment for storage and required insurance. The bill also stipulates that natural byproducts of grapes are an agricultural commodity not subject to other sections of the law until removed from the warehouse or mixed with another ingredient. The purpose of this bill is to protect grape growers from being "forced to cede title of their grapes to a storage or processing facility and to
sell the grapes below market cost."
Texas Action supports HB 3766 because it uplifts our principle of property rights. Grape growers and wineries should have more flexibility in the delivery, storage, and distribution of their products. This is an industry that would benefit from sweeping deregulation. The changes proposed by this legislation represent an incremental step in that direction.