BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2196

By: Harris

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that the sale of alcoholic beverages on certain property of the Texas State Railroad Authority would strengthen the authority as a tourist attraction and expand the economic impact that the authority provides to the surrounding area. H.B. 2196 seeks to address this issue by authorizing the Texas State Railroad Authority to contract with a person for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages.

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. 2196 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to authorize the Texas State Railroad Authority to contract with a person for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages on authority property that is used as a station for passenger rail services.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.