LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 24, 2003

TO:	Honorable Helen Giddings, Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB470 by Hochberg (Relating to the labeling, advertising, and sale of halal foods; providing a criminal penalty.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill requires stores that sell both halal and non-halal meats in the same retail store to clearly label each portion of meat as halal or non-halal and makes it an offense for a person to knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly sell non-halal food which is represented as halal food, makes violations subject to a criminal penalty, and permits an aggrieved consumer to bring a cause of action for damages.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated, due to the small number of  anticipated offenses.

Source Agencies:	302 Office Of The Attorney General
LBB Staff:	JK, JRO, MS, BL