HB 1545 (Paddie/Birdwell) Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Sunset legislation was sent to the Governor on 5/25. The bill would extend the existence of TABC, under the Texas Sunset Act, to September 1, 2031 and among other changes would increase the size of the Commission from three to five members, to be appointed by December 1, 2019. During House discussions Rep. Springer mentioned his amendment that was no longer in the bill as substituted from the Senate that would permit sale from 10 a.m. until noon. Springer stated he would like the body to look at this issue going forward. The substituted language that passed out of the Senate and agreed to in the House addressed package store ownership and Beer-to-Go.
The provisions of the bill related to streamlining the alcoholic beverage licensing structure would require TABC to update the agency’s licensing technology system. According to TABC, the current licensing system has reached end-of-life and is no longer adequately supported by the vendor. Replacing the licensing technology system would have a fiscal impact of $4.4 million in General Revenue for the 2020-2021 biennium
HB 1443 (Thompson, Senfronia/Hall) Relating to the certification of an area’s wet or dry status for the purpose of an alcoholic beverage permit or license was signed by the Governor on 5/27. The bill amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to require the city secretary or clerk to certify wet or dry status for an area given in the request, rather than the application, no later than the 30th day after a licensee requests certification. The bill will be effective on 9/01.
SB 1450 (Hancock/Paddie) Relating to the delivery of alcoholic beverages from certain premises to ultimate consumers was sent to the Governor to be signed on 5/21. The bill amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code and establishes the consumer delivery permit to allow holders of a mixed beverage permit to deliver an alcoholic beverage from a permitted premise to an ultimate consumer located off-premise in an area where the sale of the beverage is legal. If signed by the Governor, the bill will be effective on 9/01.
SB 2410 (Menendez/Goldman) Relating to the definition of a public entertainment facility for purposes of certain alcoholic beverage-related activities was sent to the Governor on 5/25. The bill amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to clarify that the definition of a public entertainment facility includes parking areas adjacent to the facility.