SCR 46

Overall Vote Recommendation
Neutral
Principle Criteria
neutral
Free Enterprise
neutral
Property Rights
neutral
Personal Responsibility
neutral
Limited Government
neutral
Individual Liberty
Digest

SCR 46 expresses the Texas Legislature’s support for renaming the "New York strip steak" as the "Texas strip steak." The resolution highlights Texas's long-standing and leading role in beef production, noting that Texas not only produces the most cattle in the United States but also has deeply influenced American beef culture through historic cattle drives, ranching traditions, and culinary contributions like steak houses. Although the New York strip was popularized in New York, the resolution points out that many steaks consumed nationally and internationally originate from Texas-raised cattle.

The resolution calls on Texans, restaurants, chefs, and food service establishments to voluntarily adopt the "Texas strip steak" terminology. Additionally, it directs the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote the Texas strip steak as part of its broader efforts to support Texas agricultural products. The measure emphasizes the cultural and economic importance of beef production to Texas's identity, economy, and global reputation.

Importantly, SCR 46 is a concurrent resolution rather than a bill, meaning it does not create binding law but instead expresses the formal opinion and encouragement of the Texas Legislature. It is largely symbolic, aiming to bolster Texas pride and promote the state's beef industry through voluntary rebranding efforts.

Author (1)
Kevin Sparks
Sponsor (1)
Ken King
Fiscal Notes

SCR 46 is a concurrent resolution and does not carry the force of law, meaning it does not directly create or authorize new programs, impose mandates, or require the expenditure of state funds through statute. However, it does encourage the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to promote the rebranding of the "New York strip steak" as the "Texas strip steak." This directive could have minor administrative and marketing costs for the agency if it chooses to actively campaign or create promotional materials under existing agricultural marketing initiatives.

Since the resolution does not appropriate new funding or require a new program by law, any associated costs would have to be absorbed within the TDA’s current operational budget. This could involve reallocating existing marketing funds, such as those already used for the "Go Texan" program or other agricultural promotions. If no specific reallocation is made, there would be no significant fiscal impact on the state's budget.

At the local government and private sector levels, there are no mandatory costs imposed by the resolution. Adoption of the "Texas strip steak" branding is entirely voluntary for restaurants, chefs, and businesses, meaning there would be no regulatory burden or compliance costs. Any local economic activity stimulated by increased demand for Texas-branded beef products could create positive economic ripple effects, although they would likely be modest and difficult to precisely quantify.

In short, while SCR 46 may result in minimal marketing expenditures at the state agency level if action is taken, it is fiscally neutral in a mandatory sense and does not require new spending or create enforceable financial obligations.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SCR 46 expresses symbolic support for rebranding the "New York strip steak" as the "Texas strip steak" to honor the state’s leadership in cattle production and beef culture. The resolution is non-binding, does not create new law, and carries minimal fiscal impact, with any promotional activity by the Texas Department of Agriculture expected to occur within existing resources. While the resolution touches positively on Texas pride and economic identity, it does not materially advance or infringe upon core liberty principles such as individual liberty, personal responsibility, free enterprise, private property rights, or limited government. Given its symbolic nature and limited substantive impact, Texas Policy Research remains NEUTRAL on SCR 46. However, it is worth noting that the Legislature’s time and resources could be better focused on substantive policy matters with more meaningful implications for Texas citizens.

  • Individual Liberty: The resolution does not mandate any behavior from individuals, businesses, or organizations. It encourages the voluntary adoption of the "Texas strip steak" name but leaves the choice entirely to Texans, chefs, and restaurants. Therefore, there is no infringement on personal freedoms.
  • Personal Responsibility: The resolution does not encourage or discourage personal accountability. It is purely promotional and symbolic. It does not impact individuals' duty to make decisions or bear responsibility for their actions.
  • Free Enterprise: The resolution could marginally support Texas-based businesses by encouraging the promotion of a Texas-branded steak, which could benefit local economies and restaurants. However, since it directs the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote a specific name for a private-sector product, it flirts with using public resources to influence private market choices, albeit lightly. Still, because it remains voluntary and does not regulate or mandate branding, it overall respects free enterprise.
  • Private Property Rights: The resolution does not impose on property rights. Business owners retain full control over their menus, marketing, and branding. No new restrictions or obligations are placed on private enterprises.
  • Limited Government: While the resolution is non-binding, it directs a state agency (Texas Department of Agriculture) to promote a specific branding effort. This is a minor use of state resources for a non-essential, promotional purpose. Although small, it is still an expansion of government activity beyond basic core functions, even if folded into existing budgets. Thus, it could slightly stretch the principle of limited government, but only minimally and without requiring new spending or creating regulation.
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