BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 510

By: Deshotel

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

More than 60 years ago, the maximum capacity of a container of wine a person was authorized to sell to a retail dealer was established in state law as one gallon. More than 30 years ago, that amount was increased to 4.9 gallons, the current maximum capacity. There does not appear to be any practical reason for the designated size of such a container, other than that is how it has been for many years. H.B. 510 increases the maximum capacity of a container of wine to eight gallons. This increase would allow businesses to capitalize on new technology and advances in packaging and enable the state to collect additional tax revenue.   

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

H.B. 510 amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to increase from 4.9 gallons to eight gallons the maximum capacity of a container of wine a person may sell to a retail dealer. The bill makes nonsubstantive changes.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.