BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 823
89R1932 SRA-D	By: Middleton
	Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
	5/5/2025
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current Texas law does not require labeling that informs consumers whether shrimp sold in the state are imported from outside Texas, including shrimp caught in Gulf waters beyond the state's jurisdiction. This lack of transparency creates challenges for Texas shrimpers, who compete with cheaper, often lower-quality imported shrimp. S.B. 823, as substituted in committee, narrows its focus solely to shrimp and requires that all shrimp imported from outside Texas carry a clear, conspicuous label disclosing their out-of-state origin. This measure aims to strengthen consumer awareness, support local shrimping industries, and promote fair competition in Texas seafood markets.

As proposed, S.B. 823 amends current law relating to required labeling of meat, poultry, shrimp, and certain related food products.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 3 of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 433, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 433.046, as follows:

Sec. 433.046. LABELING OF MEAT, POULTRY, AND CERTAIN RELATED FOOD PRODUCTS. Prohibits a person, in this state, from selling meat, a meat food product, poultry, or a poultry product unless the food's label includes a clear and conspicuous notice stating whether the food originated in this state.

SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 436, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 436.083, as follows:

Sec. 436.083. LABELING OF SHRIMP. Prohibits a person from selling shrimp in this state unless the shrimp's label includes a clear and conspicuous notice stating whether the shrimp originated in this state.

SECTION 3. Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to adopt rules necessary to implement Sections 433.046 and 436.083, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2025.