Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 577	Senate Author:  Springer et al.
Effective:  9-1-23	House Sponsor:  Harris, Cody et al.

             Senate Bill 577 amends the Health and Safety Code to establish provisions relating to the inspection of food service establishments following the adoption of certain municipal ordinances. The bill prohibits a municipality or an applicable public health district from conducting an inspection to determine compliance with an ordinance the municipality adopts that is different from state law or Department of State Health Services (DSHS) rules or orders before the 60th day following the date the municipality or district submits a copy of the ordinance to DSHS for inclusion in the online municipal ordinance registry created by the bill.

Senate Bill 577 prohibits DSHS, a county, a municipality, or a public health district that conducts authorized inspections from taking disciplinary action against or otherwise penalizing such establishments for failing to adhere to easily cleanable surface requirements, provided the surfaces are kept clean, and from restricting the type or quantity of packaging, utensils, or straws the establishments provide to customers. The bill prohibits a county or a municipality with a public health district that charges a fee for the issuance or renewal of a food establishment‑related permit for a premises permitted or licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission from also charging a local fee for an alcoholic beverage permit or license for the premises.