02/23/2019
**UPDATE*** This bill passed as SB 572. See this post for details!
https://www.facebook.com/TexasBakersBill/photos/a.330893595821/10157083356940822/?type=3&permPage=1
Cottage food producers, this is the bill we have been waiting for! HB 2108 by Eddie Rodriguez is the most important step in improving the cottage food law that we’ve seen since 2013. These provisions affect ALL cottage food producers. This bill:
- Removes the location restriction. It allows the sale of cottage foods directly to consumers anywhere in the state.
- Allows internet sales as long as one portion of the sale takes place in person.
- Allows ANY non-potentially hazardous food (in other words, it gets rid of the specific list that we are currently operating with).
- Adds pickled fruits and vegetables including pickled beets and carrots.
- Adds canned goods that are acidified
- Adds fermented products
- Adds frozen fruits and vegetables
YOUR VOICE MATTERS. The bill needs vocal public support to move through the process and have a chance of becoming law. It would be a giant step forward for local food producers. If its passage would benefit you or someone you love, please tell your Texas State Representative! It’s easy!
1. Locate your Texas State Representative (NOT your US Congressman). Enter your address here:
https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
2. Click on his or her name to be taken directly to their House contact page.
3. CALL your Texas State Representative to tell them you need this bill to pass! The number will start with 512-463-###X. Sample text: “Hi, my name is _______ and I am a constituent. I’m calling because I support HB 2108 by Eddie Rodriguez, the Cottage Food Freedom Bill.” At this point the staff member may ask for your contact information. You can add a short statement about why the bill’s passage is important to you. Don’t be afraid of speaking with the staff in your State Representative’s office! Their job is to serve you and they are generally courteous and friendly.
This page will be posting regular updates on the bill’s progress and how you can help!
Read the bill for yourself: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB2108
Sign up for updates to be emailed to you whenever the bill moves. Go to My TLO (you must create an account): https://capitol.texas.gov/MnuMyTLO.aspx
P.S. There are two other bills that have been filed that add pickled fruits and vegetables to the cottage food law (HB 644 and SB 572). While those are important and I will keep tabs on them, HB 2108 is the bill that I am focusing on promoting because it contains the most comprehensive improvements to the cottage food law.
