Attention: Cookie decorators in Texas!
This bill (more info below) never made it out of committee two years ago. It has been introduced again this year and needs your support. Please call your representatives and tell them you support this bill. Here is a list of representatives in Texas:
Chair - "Four" Price, Amarillo (512) 463-0470
Vice Chair - J.D. Sheffield, Gatesville (512) 463-0628
Diana Arévalo, San Antonio (512) 463-0616
Cindy Burkett, Garland (512) 463-0464
Garnet Coleman, Houston (512) 463-0524
Nicole Collier, Fort Worth (512) 463-0716
Philip Cortez, San Antonio (512) 463-0269
Bobby Guerra, McAllen (512) 463-0578
Stephanie Klick, North Richland Hills (512) 463-0599
Tom Oliverson, Tomball (512) 463-0661
Bill Zedler, Arlington (512) 463-0374
HB 1926, the Texas Homemade Food Bill, has been filed by State Representative Eddie Rodriguez, a long-time supporter of local food producers.
HB 1926 would create an intermediate step in between the current cottage food law and a full scale commercial kitchen. Home producers who are limited by the cottage food law would be able to opt to become a "home processor", which would allow them to sell more types of foods at more locations. Some highlights of the bill include:
- Does not affect existing cottage food law.
- Is an optional step between "cottage foods" and a licensed food establishment.
- Allows more types of food to be sold. Some examples are: potentially hazardous baked goods like cheesecake, all non-potentially hazardous foods, fermented products, and acidified or low acid canned goods that do not contain meat.
- Allows wholesale, mail order, and internet sales within Texas.
- Allows sales at any location in Texas.
- Requires registration, an annual fee, and inspections.
- Has health and safety rules such as no pets in the kitchen, a separate refrigerator, and more.
