Principle Criteria
Free Enterprise
Property Rights
Personal Responsibility
Limited Government
Individual Liberty
Digest
HB 520 proposes revisions to the regulations governing cottage food production operations in Texas. The bill expands the scope of cottage food production to include nonprofit organizations operating in a director's or officer's home, alongside individuals. It increases the allowable annual gross income for these operations from $50,000 to $100,000 and introduces the concept of "cottage food vendors," enabling third-party sales. The bill expands the list of permissible food items to include products requiring time and temperature control for safety, provided certain labeling and handling protocols are met. It also includes provisions limiting the authority of local governments to regulate these operations or require licensing or fees, with penalties for violations. Additionally, the bill introduces new labeling requirements, including disclosures about the unregulated nature of the products and safe handling instructions for time- and temperature-sensitive items. Cottage food vendors must register with the state and display prominent signage for consumer awareness.
Author (1)
Vikki Goodwin