BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 261
	By: Perry
	Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
	6/10/2025
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Cell-cultured protein is made by harvesting animal cells and growing them in a bioreactor to produce tissue-based food products.

The United States is one of only three countries that allow the sale of cell-cultured meat. However, multiple states have banned or considered banning its use.

The introduction of lab-grown meat could disrupt traditional livestock markets, affecting rural economies and family farms. There are concerns over transparency in labeling, risk of contamination, and the long-term health impacts of consuming cell-cultured products.

S.B. 261 would prohibit the production and sale of cell-cultured protein products within Texas to protect consumers and support traditional agriculture.

As proposed, S.B. 261 amends current law relating to the prohibited manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein.

(Original Author/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

S.B. 261 amends current law relating to a prohibition on the offering for sale and the sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption and provides civil and criminal penalties.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 7 of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 431.002, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subdivision (5-a) to define "cell-cultured protein."

SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 431, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 431.02105, as follows:

Sec. 431.02105. PROHIBITED ACT; TEMPORARY PROVISION. (a) Provides that the offering for sale or sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption within this state is unlawful and prohibited.

(b) Authorizes a violation of this section to be enforced in the same manner as a violation of Section 431.021 (Prohibited Acts) is enforced under Subchapter C.

SECTION 3. Amends Sections 431.0805(4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "egg," "egg product," "fish," "meat," "meat food product," "poultry," and "poultry product."

SECTION 4. Amends Section 433.0415, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

Sec. 433.0415. New heading: LABELING CELL-CULTURED PROTEIN. (a) Defines "cell-cultured protein." Deletes the existing definition of "cell-cultured product."

(b) Requires that cell-cultured protein, rather than a cell-cultured product, be labeled in prominent type equal to or greater in size than the surrounding type and in close proximity to the name of the protein using one of certain terms. Makes conforming changes.

SECTION 5. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 433, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 433.057, as follows:

Sec. 433.057. PROHIBITION ON CELL-CULTURED PROTEIN; TEMPORARY PROVISION. (a) Defines "cell-cultured protein."

(b) Prohibits a person from offering for sale or selling cell-cultured protein for human consumption.

(d) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2027.

SECTION 6. Repealer: Section 431.0805(2) (relating to defining "cell-cultured product"), Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 7. Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to adopt any rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act.

SECTION 8. Effective date: September 1, 2025.