Bill > HB519

This bill revises Texas law regarding honey production operations by broadening the definition and removing previous restrictive conditions. Specifically, the bill eliminates the previous requirement that a honey production operation must produce less than 2,500 pounds of honey annually and removes detailed restrictions about how and where honey can be sold. The legislation clarifies that honey production operations are not considered food service establishments and prohibits local government authorities from regulating honey production. The bill also establishes that honey extraction and packaging are considered raw agricultural commodity activities, which may have implications for regulatory oversight. Additionally, the bill simplifies labeling requirements for honey producers, removing previously mandated specific label elements like net weight and a statement about facility inspection. The changes appear designed to provide more flexibility and reduce regulatory burdens for beekeepers and small honey producers in Texas, with the new provisions set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB519