C.S.H.B. 2593 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 2593 By: Homer Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The growth of the Texas wine industry continues to have a positive effect on the state's economy. Removing local restrictions on the dispensing of wine would lead to increased tourism and a greater economic benefit for the state. CSHB 2593 would allow a winery authorized to operate in Texas to manufacture and sell wine for consumption on or off winery premises or to dispense wine without charge, for tasting purposes. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS The substitute amends Sections 16.01 (a) and (c), Alcoholic Beverage Code to allow a winery to sell wine for consumption on the winery premises and deletes language that prohibits a wine sampling from being held in a location where a wine sampling is otherwise prohibited by law. The substitute adds a new Section 16.011 to Chapter 16, Alcoholic Beverage Code which authorizes a winery permit to be issued for premises in dry areas. Provides that a winery may manufacture wine and sell or dispense wine for consumption if the wine is manufactured in Texas and contains at least 75 percent by volume juice from grapes or other fruit grown in Texas. The substitute also repeals sections 16.01(d) and 16.05, Alcoholic Beverage Code. EFFECTIVE DATE The date on which the constitutional amendment HJR 85 takes effect, if that amendment is approved by the voters. If not approved by the voters, this Act has no effect. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE The substitute provides that a winery may manufacture wine in addition to selling or dispensing wine for consumption.