HBA-MSH S.B. 965 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 965
By: Jackson
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
4/4/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, the holder of a winery permit is authorized to sell wine
to consumers for consumption on or off winery premises and dispense free
wine for consumption on or off the winery premises if the winery is located
in a city that is located in three or more counties, at least one of which
has a population of 500,000 or more and has within its boundaries all or
part of an international airport.  This restriction limits the number of
wineries that can sell wine directly to consumers and hinders the industry.
Senate Bill 965 expands the authorization by including certain counties
that border the Gulf of Mexico and counties with an international airport. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 965 amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to authorize the holder
of a winery permit to sell wine to ultimate consumers for consumption on or
off winery premises and dispense free wine for consumption on or off the
winery premises if the winery is located in a county that has a population
of 240,000 or more and borders the Gulf of Mexico and a county that has
within its boundaries all or part of an international airport. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.