BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2063

By: Stickland

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that Texans from all parts of the state seek to fully celebrate Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, and Cinco de Mayo, including through the use of fireworks. H.B. 2063 seeks to address this issue by removing certain restrictions on the sale of fireworks for these holidays.

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. 2063 amends the Occupations Code to authorize a retail fireworks permit holder to sell fireworks to the public during periods designated for Texas Independence Day and San Jacinto Day without prior approval by a county commissioners court. The bill removes the condition on the retail sale fireworks during a period designated for Cinco de Mayo that limits the sale to a location that is not more than 100 miles from the Texas-Mexico border and that is in a county in which the commissioners court has approved the sale during that period.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.