BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 590

By: Bailes

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Agriculture Code contains no specific standards regarding the truthful geographic labeling of honey produced in Texas. Honey from different sources may differ in chemical composition, physical properties such as color, and attributes such as taste and smell. Associating a honey's qualities with its geographical origin allows for the proper recognition of that honey. Strengthening the parameters for use of the phrase "Texas honey" will allow beekeepers who source 100 percent of their honey from Texas to more accurately defend and market the origin of their honey, as well as create greater consumer confidence among individuals who seek a Texas product. H.B. 590 seeks to address this issue by restricting use of the phrase "Texas honey" to honey produced exclusively from Texas apiaries.

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. 590 amends the Agriculture Code to prohibit a person from labeling, selling, or keeping, offering, or exposing for sale a product identified on its label as "Texas honey" unless the product consists exclusively of honey produced from apiaries in Texas.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.