89R9347 SCF-D

By: Parker S.B. No. 1356

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the Texas alcohol tourism development program and advisory committee.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 481, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter HH to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER HH. TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Sec. 481.701. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "program" means the Texas alcohol tourism development program established under this subchapter.

Sec. 481.702. TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. (a) The office shall establish the Texas alcohol tourism development program to develop and market alcohol tourism in this state.

(b) The program shall:

(1) using market research develop an alcoholic beverage industry marketing plan to:

(A) increase tourism to wineries, breweries, and distilleries in this state; and

(B) promote the consumption of and access to wine, beer, and distilled spirits produced in this state;

(2) develop and maintain a list of the locations of wineries, breweries, and distilleries in this state;

(3) post on a publicly accessible Internet website and annually update a list of the locations of wineries, breweries, and distilleries in this state that offer tours and tastings;

(4) promote wineries, breweries, and distilleries in this state when promoting this state as a tourism destination;

(5) educate consumers about the wine, beer, and distilled spirits produced in this state; and

(6) promote, market, and educate consumers about the alcoholic beverage industry in this state using any other method the office determines is appropriate.

Sec. 481.703. TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) In this section, "advisory committee" means the Texas alcohol tourism development advisory committee established under this section.

(b) The Texas alcohol tourism development advisory committee is established to advise the office on the development of alcohol tourism in this state.

(c) The advisory committee is composed of the following nine members appointed by the governor:

(1) a holder of a distiller's and rectifier's permit issued under Chapter 14, Alcoholic Beverage Code;

(2) a holder of a winery permit issued under Chapter 16, Alcoholic Beverage Code;

(3) a holder of a brewer's license issued under Chapter 62, Alcoholic Beverage Code;

(4) a member of a chamber of commerce in this state;

(5) a researcher or educator specializing in economic development;

(6) a member of the public who is not affiliated with the alcoholic beverage industry;

(7) a representative of the office;

(8) a representative of the Texas Department of Transportation; and

(9) a commissioner of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

(d) The advisory committee shall:

(1) propose methods to market and increase the alcohol tourism industry in this state, as provided by Section 481.702;

(2) develop a plan and schedule to implement the marketing and growth methods proposed under Subdivision (1); and

(3) propose a budget and spending plan for the office to implement the plan and the program.

(e) Not later than September 1, 2026, the advisory committee shall submit a report to the office and legislature detailing the committee's proposed methods, plans, and budget, as required by this section.

(f) The advisory committee is abolished and this section expires January 1, 2027.

SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act:

(1) the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office shall establish the Texas alcohol tourism development program as required by Section 481.702, Government Code, as added by this Act; and

(2) the governor shall appoint the members of the Texas alcohol tourism development advisory committee established under Section 481.703, Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.