| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vote Yes; Amend | Positive | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to authorizing tastings by certain alcoholic beverage
manufacturers at certain events.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 3768 would allow persons who hold licenses or permits to manufacture alcoholic beverages to hold product tastings without the need of any additional license or permit, as long as the tastings are conducted at the State Fair under the "GO Texas" Partner Program. The GO Texas Program promotes Texan products, culture, and communities, and the products are showcased at the State Fair each year.
Texas Action supports HB 3768 because it promotes limited government, individual liberty, and free markets, but recommends that it be further amended. This bill would be a positive step forward in removing many of the onerous and unnecessary licensing requirements and regulations placed upon the alcoholic beverage industry, and would allow greater free market competition and individual liberty in the state. However, the bill benefits only alcohol producers who showcase their products at the State Fair under the GO Texan program. We recommend amending the bill to instead open up these freedoms to all producers in the state under any circumstance.