BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 932

By: Hughes

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that farmers' markets are central components of many local communities but that escalating permit fees may impose a financial burden on many small farmers and local food producers who run small businesses with low profit margins. There are concerns that high fees may discourage local farmers from participating in farmers' markets, particularly in smaller markets in less affluent areas. S.B. 932 seeks to address these concerns by capping the annual fee imposed by certain permits.

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

S.B. 932 amends the Health and Safety Code to require certain permits issued to a farmer for the sale of food directly to consumers at a farmers' market, a farm stand, or the farmer's farm and issued to an individual who prepares food for sale at a farmers' market to be valid for a term of not less than one year and cover sales at all locations within the jurisdiction of the permitting authority. The bill authorizes such a permit to impose an annual fee in an amount not to exceed $100 for the issuance or renewal.

S.B. 932 repeals Section 437.0201(c), Health and Safety Code.       

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.