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Bill

HB 3385

Relating to the promotion and sale of wine produced in this state; creating a farm winery permit; authorizing a fee.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mary González and 5 co-sponsors

Texas bill creates farm winery permit to license in-state wine producers and authorizes state fee collection for regulatory oversight.

Committee report printed and distributed
#alcoholicbeveragecommission #texas(v0472) #alcoholicbeverageregulation(i0025) #comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #fees&othernontaxrevenue--state(i0362) #permits(s0011) #wine&wineries(s6719)
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Bill Summary · HB 3385

Legislative bill overview

HB 3385 creates a new "farm winery permit" in Texas to facilitate the production and sale of wine by in-state wineries. The bill authorizes the state to charge a fee for this permit, establishing a regulatory pathway for farm wineries to operate legally.

Why is this important

Texas has a growing wine industry, and this legislation would formalize licensing for smaller, farm-based operations that currently may lack clear regulatory status. The permit structure could boost agricultural economic development while generating state revenue through licensing fees.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope unclear: The bill's language doesn't specify production volume limits, where wines can be sold (on-site, retail, direct-to-consumer), or how this interacts with existing alcohol licensing frameworks
  • Fee structure undefined: The authorization to charge "a fee" provides no guidance on amount, potentially creating uncertainty for prospective winery operators
  • Competition concerns: Established wineries and retailers may worry that farm winery permits create unfair advantages or bypass existing distribution requirements and tax structures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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