BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2278

By: Phillips

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that restrictions on the ability of a distiller's agent's permit holder to solicit business from a restaurant, bar, or private club are too burdensome. H.B. 2278 seeks to provide Texas distilleries increased opportunities to introduce products to the public by repealing a provision relating to those restrictions.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 2278 repeals Section 15.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code, which prohibits a holder of a distiller's agent's permit from soliciting business directly or indirectly from a holder of a mixed beverage permit or a private club registration permit unless the distiller's agent is accompanied by the holder of a wholesaler's permit or the wholesaler's agent.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.