Gervin-Hawkins Bill Seats Alcohol Industry On Its Own Marketing Panel

The text as introduced · 599 words

89R9347 SCF-D

By: Gervin-Hawkins
H.B. No. 4686

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.