Sometimes, bills stick out because of their obscure nature. Here is a list of some of the unique items legislators are seeking to regulate in the coming year.
- Raw milk and raw milk products
Dan Flynn, R-Canton, filed HB 57 to place an advisory statement on any container containing raw milk or raw milk products to caution that consuming raw foods can increase risk of food-borne illness. - Feminine hygiene products
In HB 55, Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, seeks to exempt tampons, panty liners, sanitary napkins and similar items from sales tax. Several other bills filed seek similar tax exemptions. - Commercial oyster boats
Guillen also filed HB 51 to establish a monitoring system for commercial oyster boats. The bill would also implement a program to buyback already issued oyster boat licenses for a fraction of the original price. - Child and adult diapers
Donna Howard, R-Austin, pre-filed HB 221 to include child and adult diapers on the list of tax-exempt medical equipment. - Textbooks
House Bill 242, filed by Rep. Ana Hernandez, D-Houston, would exempt textbooks from taxes if purchased by enrolled students during the school year. - Powdered alcohol
Guillen seeks to include powdered alcohol within the definition of alcoholic beverage in the Alcoholic Beverage Code in HB 47. - Bingo
Cecil Bell, R-Magnolia, filed HB 446 to regulate the way bingo licenses are issued and refunded. - Fireworks
Representatives Dan Huberty, R-Houston, and James White, R-Woodville, each filed legislation to regulate the sale of fireworks. Huberty’s bill, HB 412, would allow vendors with the proper permits to sell fireworks two days before and after a number of holidays, including Valentine’s Day, Texas Independence Day, Ash Wednesday and Groundhog Day. White’s legislation, HB 554, would allow the sale of fireworks five days prior to Labor Day. - Funeral Services, cemeteries, cremations
Judith Zaffrini, D-Austin, would regulate wrongdoings in the funeral industry via SB 65. The bill would create a process for the Texas Funeral Service Commission to report violations of the Health and Safety Code in cremations and burials.
