80R1267 AJA-D

By: Truitt H.B. No. 2425

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; providing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 1.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (25) to read as follows:

(25) "Executive management" includes the administrator, the assistant administrator, individuals who report directly to the administrator, and the head of each division of the commission.

SECTION 2. Section 5.01(b), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the commission is abolished and Subchapter A, Chapter 5, [of this code] expires September 1, 2019 [2007. In the review of the commission by the Sunset Advisory Commission, as required by this section, the sunset commission shall limit its review to the appropriateness of recommendations made by the sunset commission to the 79th Legislature. In the Sunset Advisory Commission's report to the 80th Legislature, the sunset commission may include any recommendations it considers appropriate].

SECTION 3. Section 5.02(c), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) Appointments to the commission shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability [handicap], sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointees.

SECTION 4. Subchapter A, Chapter 5, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Section 5.022 to read as follows:

Sec. 5.022. TRAINING. (a) A person who is appointed to and qualifies for office as a member of the commission may not vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the commission until the person completes a training program that complies with this section.

(b) The training program must provide the person with information regarding:

(1) the legislation that created the commission and the commission's programs, functions, rules, and budget;

(2) the results of the most recent formal audit of the commission;

(3) the requirements of laws relating to open meetings, public information, administrative procedure, and conflicts of interest; and

(4) any applicable ethics policies adopted by the commission or the Texas Ethics Commission.

(c) A person appointed to the commission is entitled to reimbursement, as provided by the General Appropriations Act, for the travel expenses incurred in attending the training program regardless of whether the attendance at the program occurs before or after the person qualifies for office.

SECTION 5. Section 5.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 5.04. PRESIDING OFFICER [CHAIRMAN]. The governor shall designate a [one] member of the commission as the presiding officer of the commission to serve in that capacity at the pleasure of the governor [chairman].

SECTION 6. Sections 5.05(c) through (f), Alcoholic Beverage Code, are amended to read as follows:

(c) A person may not be [serve as] a member of the commission or act as the general counsel to the commission if the person is required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code, because of the person's activities for compensation on behalf of a profession related to the operation of the commission.

(d) A person may not be a member of the commission and may not be a commission employee employed in a "bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity," as that phrase is used for purposes of establishing an exemption to the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.), if:

(1) the person is an [An] officer, employee, or paid consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of alcoholic beverages; or

(2) the person's [beverage manufacture, distribution, service, or sales may not be a member or employee of the commission.

[(e)A person who is the] spouse is [of] an officer, manager, or paid consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of alcoholic beverages [beverage manufacture, distribution, or sales may not be a member or employee of the commission].

(e) In [(f)For the purposes of] this section, "Texas trade association" means [a Texas trade association is] a [nonprofit,] cooperative[,] and voluntarily joined statewide association of businesses or professional competitors in this state [persons] designed to assist its members and its industry or profession in dealing with mutual business or professional problems and in promoting their common interest.

SECTION 7. Section 5.051, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 5.051. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL FROM COMMISSION. (a) It is a ground for removal from the commission that [if] a member:

(1) does not have at the time of taking office [appointment] the qualifications required by Section 5.02 [of this code];

(2) does not maintain during [the] service on the commission the qualifications required by Section 5.02 [of this code for appointment to the commission];

(3) is ineligible for membership under [violates a prohibition established by] Section 5.05 [of this code];

(4) cannot, [is unable] because of illness or disability, [to] discharge the member's duties for a substantial part [portion] of the member's term [for which the member was appointed]; or

(5) is absent from more than half [one-half] of the regularly scheduled commission meetings that the member is eligible to attend during a [each] calendar year without an excuse approved[, except when the absence is excused] by a majority vote of the commission.

(b) The validity of an action of the commission is not affected by the fact that it was taken when a ground for removal of a [member of the] commission member exists [existed].

(c) If the administrator has knowledge that a potential ground for removal exists, the administrator shall notify the presiding officer [chairman] of the commission of the potential ground. The presiding officer [chairman of the commission] shall then notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists. If the potential ground for removal involves the presiding officer, the administrator shall notify the next highest ranking officer of the commission, who shall then notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists.

SECTION 8. Section 5.12, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 5.12. [CONCURRENT] DUTIES OF ADMINISTRATOR. The commission shall specify the duties and powers of the administrator by printed rules and regulations entered in its minutes and shall develop and implement policies that clearly separate the policy-making [define the respective] responsibilities of the commission and the management responsibilities of the administrator[, the assistant administrator,] and the staff of the commission. The commission or administrator may develop a procedure under which the commission or administrator, or the designee of either, may negotiate the repayment of debts owed the commission, including fees and delinquent taxes. When this code imposes concurrent powers or duties on the commission and the administrator, the commission shall designate those powers and duties which it delegates to the administrator. An order, decision, or judgment rendered and entered by the administrator in a matter in which the administrator has been authorized to act is not subject to change, review, or revision by the commission. A concurrent power or duty which has not been specifically delegated to the administrator by the commission's order is retained by the commission, and an order, decision, or judgment rendered and entered by the commission in a matter in which the commission has retained authority is not subject to change, review, or revision by the administrator.

SECTION 9. Section 5.31, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 5.31. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The commission may exercise all powers, duties, and functions conferred by this code, and all powers incidental, necessary, or convenient to the administration of this code. It shall inspect, supervise, and regulate every phase of the business of manufacturing, importing, exporting, transporting, storing, selling, advertising, labeling, and distributing alcoholic beverages, and the possession of alcoholic beverages for the purpose of sale or otherwise. It may prescribe and publish rules necessary to carry out the provisions of this code.

(b) The commission shall:

(1) protect the public safety by deterring and detecting violations of this code;

(2) promote legal and responsible alcohol consumption;

(3) ensure fair competition within the alcoholic beverage industry;

(4) ensure consistent, predictable, and timely enforcement of this code;

(5) ensure a consistent, predictable, and timely licensing and permitting process;

(6) promote and foster voluntary compliance with this code; and

(7) communicate the requirements of this code clearly and consistently.

SECTION 10. Subchapter B, Chapter 5, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Sections 5.361 and 5.362 to read as follows:

Sec. 5.361. ENFORCEMENT. (a) The commission shall develop a risk-based approach to conducting its enforcement activities that focuses on:

(1) detecting serious violations that impact public safety;

(2) monitoring entities that have a history of complaints and violations of this code; and

(3) any other factors the commission considers important.

(b) The commission shall develop benchmarks and goals to track key enforcement activities and the results of those activities. For each type of enforcement activity, the commission shall track the number of violations detected by the enforcement activity, the amount of time spent on the enforcement activity, and any other information the commission considers necessary. The commission shall use the information collected under this subsection and other information to compare the enforcement performance of each region and to determine the most effective enforcement activities.

(c) The commission shall track, on a statewide and regional basis, the type of violations detected, the disposition of the violations, and the entities that committed the most serious violations.

(d) The commission shall compile detailed statistics and analyze trends related to its enforcement activities. The commission shall:

(1) summarize the statistics and trends for executive management on a monthly basis and for the members of the commission on a quarterly basis; and

(2) make summary information available to the public, including by posting the information on the commission's Internet website.

Sec. 5.362. SCHEDULE OF SANCTIONS. (a) The commission by rule shall adopt a schedule of sanctions that may be imposed on a license or permit holder for violations of this code or rules adopted under this code. In adopting the schedule of sanctions, the board shall ensure that the severity of the sanction imposed is appropriate to the type of violation that is the basis for disciplinary action.

(b) For each violation for which a license or permit may be suspended, the schedule of sanctions must include the number of days a permit or license would be suspended and the corresponding civil penalty under Section 11.64.

(c) In determining the appropriate sanction for a violation under the schedule, the commission or administrator shall consider:

(1) the type of license or permit held by the person who committed the violation;

(2) the type of violation;

(3) any aggravating or ameliorating circumstances concerning the violation; and

(4) the license or permit holder's previous violations of this code.

(d) The schedule must:

(1) allow deviations from the schedule for clearly established mitigating circumstances, including circumstances listed in Section 11.64(c), or aggravating circumstances; and

(2) include a list of the most common violations by members of the manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing tiers of the alcoholic beverage industry and the sanctions assessed for those violations.

(e) The commission shall develop policies to guide commission staff in determining the circumstances when it is appropriate to deviate from the schedule of sanctions. The policies must identify the circumstances when approval is required in order to deviate from the schedule.

(f) The commission shall make the schedule of sanctions available to the public, including by posting the schedule on the commission's Internet website.

SECTION 11. Section 5.38, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 5.38. QUALITY AND PURITY OF BEVERAGES. (a) The commission shall require by rule that any alcoholic beverage sold in this state conform in all respects to its advertised quality.

(b) The commission shall promulgate and enforce rules governing the labeling and advertising of all alcoholic beverages sold in the state, and shall adopt and enforce a standard of quality, purity, and identity of all alcoholic beverages. The commission shall promulgate and enforce necessary rules to safeguard the public health and to insure sanitary conditions in the manufacturing, refining, blending, mixing, purifying, bottling, rebottling, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

(c) The commission may test the contents of any alcoholic beverage manufactured or sold in the state to protect the public health and safety and to ensure that the product:

(1) is accurately represented to the public; and

(2) complies with state law and commission rules.

SECTION 12. Section 5.53, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 5.53. PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION AND COMPLAINTS. (a) The commission shall adopt rules that clearly define the agency's complaint process from the time the complaint is received until it is resolved.

(b) The commission shall make [prepare] information [of public interest] describing its [the functions of the commission and the commission's] procedures for complaint investigation and resolution [by which complaints are filed with and resolved by the commission. The commission shall make the information] available to the public and appropriate state agencies, including by posting the information on the commission's Internet website.

(c) The commission, by rule, shall adopt a standardized form for filing complaints against a licensed or permitted entity. The commission shall make the complaint form available to the public, including by posting the complaint form on the commission's Internet website.

(d) [(b)] The commission by rule shall establish methods by which consumers and service recipients are notified of the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the commission for the purpose of directing a complaint to the commission. The commission may require that the notification be provided on a sign prominently displayed in the place of business of each individual or entity regulated under this code.

SECTION 13. Section 5.54, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) and (c) to read as follows:

(a) The commission shall maintain a system to promptly and efficiently act on complaints [keep an information file about each complaint] filed with the commission. The commission shall assign priorities to complaint investigations based on risk so that the commission handles the most serious complaints first.

(a-1) The [that the] commission shall maintain information about parties to the complaint, the subject matter of the complaint, a summary of the results of the review or investigation of the complaint, and its disposition [has authority to resolve].

(c) The commission shall:

(1) compile:

(A) detailed statistics and analyze trends on complaint information, including:

(i) the nature of the complaints;

(ii) their disposition; and

(iii) the length of time to resolve complaints; and

(B) complaint information on a statewide and a regional basis;

(2) report the information on a monthly basis to executive management and on a quarterly basis to members of the commission; and

(3) make general information about the nature and disposition of complaints available to the public, including by posting the information on the commission's Internet website.

SECTION 14. Section 5.55, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 5.55. [AGREEMENTS FOR] ELECTRONIC PROCESSING OF LICENSES OR PERMITS. (a) The commission shall expedite the processing of original and renewal applications for licenses and permits by using electronic means, including the Internet.

(b) The commission or administrator may enter into an agreement with another agency of this state to provide for the issuance of original or renewal licenses or permits through the use of electronic means, including use of the Internet, to facilitate the licensing process.

(c) A reasonable service fee may be charged to applicants who choose to use electronic or Internet service to apply for original licenses or permits or to renew licenses or permits, subject to other laws limiting or defining those fees; provided, that no service fee may be charged by the commission or by another agency to those applicants who choose not to utilize the electronic or Internet method to apply for an original or a renewal license or permit.

SECTION 15. Subchapter B, Chapter 5, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Sections 5.57, 5.58, 5.59, 5.60, and 5.61 to read as follows:

Sec. 5.57. MARKETING PRACTICES REGULATORY DECISIONS. (a) The commission shall develop a formal process for making policy decisions regarding marketing practices regulations and for communicating those decisions to agency staff and the alcoholic beverage industry.

(b) The commission shall gather input from a diverse group of representatives of the alcoholic beverage industry regarding regulatory issues and interpretations of this code and commission rules.

(c) The commission shall make a reasonable attempt to meet with alcoholic beverage industry representatives from:

(1) the manufacturing, distribution, and retail tiers of the industry; and

(2) the liquor, beer, and wine segments of the industry.

(d) In making policy decisions regarding marketing practices regulations, the commission shall:

(1) take into consideration recommendations of the industry representatives consulted under this section;

(2) document its policy decisions by:

(A) using a precedents manual; or

(B) drafting formal advisories; and

(3) make those documents available to regional staff and industry members through its Internet website, electronic mail, or commission publications.

Sec. 5.58. INTERNAL AFFAIRS. (a) The administrator shall establish an office of internal affairs to ensure fair and impartial investigations of alleged employee misconduct.

(b) The administrator shall appoint and directly oversee the head of the office of internal affairs.

(c) The office of internal affairs has original departmental jurisdiction over complaints involving commission personnel.

(d) The office of internal affairs staff shall coordinate and be the central reporting point for all employee investigations. The staff may initiate investigations of complaints; however, the staff must obtain the approval of the appropriate division director or higher-level executive management to investigate an employee when no complaint has been made.

(e) At least once each month, the head of the office of internal affairs shall report to the administrator information about the nature and status of each complaint investigated by the office of internal affairs.

(f) The head of the office of internal affairs shall submit a quarterly report to the members of the commission. The report must contain a summary of information relating to investigations conducted under this section, including an analysis of the number, type, and outcome of investigations, trends in the investigations, and recommendations to avoid future complaints.

(g) The commission shall inform the public about how to file a complaint against an employee of the commission and the steps the agency takes to address complaints against employees.

Sec. 5.59. USE OF TECHNOLOGY. The commission shall implement a policy requiring the commission to use appropriate technological solutions to improve the commission's ability to perform its functions. The policy must ensure that the public is able to interact with the commission on the Internet.

Sec. 5.60. ALTERNATIVE RULEMAKING AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES. (a) The commission shall develop and implement a policy to encourage the use of:

(1) negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter 2008, Government Code, for the adoption of commission rules; and

(2) appropriate alternative dispute resolution procedures under Chapter 2009, Government Code, to assist in the resolution of internal and external disputes under the commission's jurisdiction.

(b) The commission's procedures relating to alternative dispute resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any model guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative Hearings for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state agencies.

(c) The commission shall designate a trained person to:

(1) coordinate the implementation of the policy adopted under Subsection (a);

(2) serve as a resource for any training needed to implement the procedures for negotiated rulemaking or alternative dispute resolution; and

(3) collect data concerning the effectiveness of those procedures, as implemented by the commission.

Sec. 5.61. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE ON CERTAIN ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS. (a) Not later than October 31 of each even-numbered year, the commission shall report to the legislature on the commission's enforcement efforts concerning alcohol sales and consumption during prohibited hours.

(b) The report must specify the number of individuals or establishments found to be:

(1) engaging in an activity for which a permit or license is required by this code without the required permit or license;

(2) selling, serving, or offering for sale an alcoholic beverage during prohibited hours in violation of Chapter 105 or Section 11.61(b)(23), 32.17(a)(7), or 61.71(a)(7);

(3) consuming or permitting consumption of an alcoholic beverage on a permitted or licensed premise during prohibited hours in violation of Chapter 105 or Section 11.61(b)(22), 32.17(a)(7), or 61.71(a)(18); or

(4) violating Section 11.61(b)(2), 32.17(a)(2), 32.17(a)(3), 61.71(a)(14), or 101.04 by:

(A) refusing to allow entry to a permitted or licensed premises by an inspector, investigator, or law enforcement official;

(B) refusing to furnish information to an inspector, investigator, or law enforcement official; or

(C) interfering with or refusing to permit an inspection or investigation being conducted by an inspector, investigator, or law enforcement official.

(c) The commission shall report the information required by Subsection (b) on a statewide basis and for each region and major metropolitan area.

SECTION 16. Subchapter A, Chapter 11, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Section 11.042 to read as follows:

Sec. 11.042. HEALTH RISKS WARNING SIGN. (a) The commission by rule shall require the holder of a permit authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption to display a warning sign on the door to each restroom on the permitted premises that informs the public of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

(b) The commission's rules shall specify the language of the warning and the size and graphic design of the sign, including font size and type.

SECTION 17. Section 11.64(a), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) When the commission or administrator is authorized to suspend a permit or license under this code, the commission or administrator shall give the permittee or licensee the opportunity to pay a civil penalty rather than have the permit or license suspended, unless the basis for the suspension is a violation of Section 11.61(b)(14), 22.12, 28.11, 32.17(a)(2), 32.17(a)(3), 61.71(a)(5), 61.71(a)(6), 61.74(a)(14), 69.13, 71.09, 101.04, 101.63, 106.03, 106.06, or 106.15, the sale or offer for sale of an alcoholic beverage during hours prohibited in Chapter 105, consumption or the permitting of consumption of an alcoholic beverage on the person's licensed or permitted premises during hours prohibited by Chapter 105 or Section 32.17(a)(7), or an offense relating to prostitution or gambling, in which case the commission or administrator shall determine whether the permittee or licensee may have the opportunity to pay a civil penalty rather than have the permit or license suspended. The commission shall adopt rules addressing when suspension may be imposed pursuant to this section without the opportunity to pay a civil penalty. In adopting rules under this subsection, the commission shall consider the type of license or permit held, the type of violation, any aggravating or ameliorating circumstances concerning the violation, and any past violations of this code by the permittee or licensee. In cases in which a civil penalty is assessed, the commission or administrator shall determine the amount of the penalty. The amount of the civil penalty may not be less than $150 or more than $25,000 for each day the permit or license was to have been suspended. If the licensee or permittee does not pay the penalty before the sixth day after the commission or administrator notifies him of the amount, the commission or administrator shall impose the suspension.

SECTION 18. Subchapter A, Chapter 61, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Section 61.111 to read as follows:

Sec. 61.111. HEALTH RISKS WARNING SIGN. (a) The commission by rule shall require the holder of a license authorizing the sale of beer for on-premises consumption to display a warning sign on the door to each restroom on the licensed premises that informs the public of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

(b) The commission's rules shall specify the language of the warning and the size and graphic design of the sign, including font size and type.

SECTION 19. Section 101.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 101.04. CONSENT TO INSPECTION; PENALTY. (a) By accepting a license or permit, the holder consents to [that] the commission, an authorized representative of the commission, or a peace officer entering [may enter] the licensed premises at any time to conduct an investigation or inspect the premises for the purpose of performing any duty imposed by this code.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person refuses to allow the commission, an authorized representative of the commission, or a peace officer to enter a licensed or permitted premises as required by Subsection (a). An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

SECTION 20. Section 101.67, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (d) and adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:

(a) No person may ship or cause to be shipped into the state, import into the state, manufacture and offer for sale in the state, or distribute, sell, or store in the state any beer, ale, or malt liquor unless:

(1) a sample of the beverage or a sample of the same type and quality of beverage has been first submitted to an independent, reputable laboratory or the commission for analysis to verify the alcohol content of the beverage [and been found by the commission or its representative to comply with all rules and regulations of the commission relating to quality, purity, and standards of measure]; and

(2) the label of the beverage has been first submitted to the commission or its representative and found to comply with all provisions of this code relating to the labeling of the particular type of beverage.

(d) If the commission determines that the product analysis provided by the independent laboratory or the sample, and the label, required by Subsection (a) [of this section] comply with the provisions of this code and the rules of the commission, the commission shall issue a certificate of approval upon receipt of a fee in an [the] amount that is sufficient to cover the cost of administering this section [of $25]. A copy of the certificate shall be kept on file in the office of the commission.

(e) The commission by rule shall establish the procedures for accepting analysis of beer, ale, or malt liquor by an independent laboratory under Subsection (a)(1).

SECTION 21. Subchapter D, Chapter 101, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Section 101.671 to read as follows:

Sec. 101.671. PRIOR APPROVAL OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINE. (a) Before an authorized permittee may ship distilled spirits or wine into the state or sell distilled spirits or wine within the state, the permittee must register the distilled spirits or wine with the commission. The registration application must include a certificate of label approval issued by the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for the product.

(b) On registration of a certificate of label approval issued by the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the commission shall approve the product under this section and issue a letter to that effect to the permittee. The commission may not require additional approval for the product unless there is a change to the label or product that requires reissuance of the federal certificate of label approval. The commission shall accept the certificate of label approval as constituting full compliance with any applicable standards adopted under Section 5.38 regarding quality, purity, and identity of distilled spirits or wine.

(c) The commission may not register a product unless the application is accompanied by a fee set by the commission in an amount that is sufficient to cover the cost of administering this section. A copy of the registration shall be kept on file in the office of the commission.

(d) The commission by rule shall establish procedures for accepting federal certificates of label approval for registration under this section.

SECTION 22. Section 102.32(d), Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended to read as follows:

(d) Each delivery of liquor shall be accompanied by an invoice giving the date of purchase. If a retailer becomes delinquent in the payment of an account for liquor, the wholesale dealer immediately shall report that fact in writing, including by electronic mail or facsimile transmission, to the commission or administrator. A [No] wholesale dealer may not sell any liquor to a retailer who is delinquent until the delinquent account is paid in full and cleared from the records of the commission. An account becomes delinquent if it is not paid when it is required to be paid under Subsection (c) [of this section].

SECTION 23. Section 105.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:

(a-1) For the purposes of this section, a licensed or permitted premises is a public place.

SECTION 24. Chapter 105, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is amended by adding Section 105.10 to read as follows:

Sec. 105.10. PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person, in violation of this chapter or Section 32.17(a)(7):

(1) sells or offers for sale an alcoholic beverage during prohibited hours; or

(2) consumes or permits the consumption of an alcoholic beverage on the person's licensed or permitted premises during prohibited hours.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

SECTION 25. Section 49.02, Penal Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:

(a-1) For the purposes of this section, a premises licensed or permitted under the Alcoholic Beverage Code is a public place.

SECTION 26. Section 37.11, Alcoholic Beverage Code, is repealed.

SECTION 27. (a) Not later than March 1, 2008, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission shall adopt the rules and policies necessary to implement Sections 5.361, 5.362, 11.042, 61.111, and 101.671, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as added by this Act, and Sections 5.53, 5.54, and 101.67, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended by this Act.

(b) Not later than March 1, 2008, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission shall adopt the rules and policies necessary to implement Sections 5.57, 5.58, 5.59, and 5.60, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as added by this Act, and Section 5.12, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended by this Act.

SECTION 28. The change in law made by Section 5.022, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as added by this Act, and Sections 5.05 and 5.051, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended by this Act, regarding the prohibitions on, qualifications of, and training for members of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission does not affect the entitlement of a member serving on the commission immediately before September 1, 2007, to continue to serve and function as a member of the commission for the remainder of the member's term. The change in law described by this section applies only to a member appointed on or after September 1, 2007.

SECTION 29. The change in law made by this Act related to the filing or investigation of a complaint under Chapter 5, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to a complaint filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on or after the effective date of this Act. A complaint filed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law as it existed immediately before that date, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 30. Section 11.64, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to conduct that is a basis for suspension of a license or permit that occurs on or after the effective date of this Act. Conduct that occurs before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect immediately before that date, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 31. (a) Sections 101.04 and 105.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code, and Section 49.02, Penal Code, as amended by this Act, and Section 105.10, Alcoholic Beverage Code, as added by this Act, apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. For the purposes of this section, an offense is committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurs before that date.

(b) An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is covered by the law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 32. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.