BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1472

                                                                                                                                      By: Whitmire

                                                                                                                        Business & Commerce

                                                                                                                                            5/31/2005

                                                                                                                                              Enrolled

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

When beers are brewed they are naturally carbonated during the fermentation process.  The carbon dioxide (CO₂) produced during fermentation is, at the very highest purity levels, absolutely pure.  CO₂ is required to "push" beer out of a keg, through the beer lines, and out of the faucet into the glass.  CO₂ used at retail (cylinder or bulk) may have impurities that occur naturally, such as hydrocarbons and/or sulphur compounds.  Cylinder, compressed, or delivered CO₂ may have contaminants such as water, rust, or soda syrups, which may be picked up during the manufacturing process, transportation, storage, or handling.  A CO₂ filter installed at retail is designed to provide protection from inpurities and/or containments to prevent them from contaminating draught beer when it is dispensed.

 

S.B. 1472 authorizes a manufacturer or distributor of beer to provide carbon dioxide filters to beer retailers and authorizes the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to promulgate rules regarding the cleaning and maintenance of beer draught systems.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in SECTION 2 of this bill.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 108, Alcoholic Beverage Code, by adding Section 108.041, as follows:

 

Sec. 108.041.  CARBON DIOXIDE FILTERS PROVIDED TO RETAILERS.  Authorizes a manufacturer or distributor of beer to provide carbon dioxide filters to beer retailers for draught systems using carbon dioxide or a carbon dioxide and nitrogen blend, commonly referred to as "beer gas."  Requires the cost of providing the carbon dioxide filters to be borne by the manufacturer.

 

SECTION 2.  Requires TABC to adopt rules implementing Section 108.041, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2006.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2005.