2025 Texas Legislation to watch

12-11-2024 :  Legislation that may affect beekeeping and associated agriculture operations in Texas during their 89th Legislature session:

Searches in Legiscan were for keywords:   Honey, Bees, Honeybees

https://legiscan.com/gaits/search – Specify Texas as your state and if asked – 89th Legislature.

• HB 519 –  ( Mary Gonzales – D )   Defines honeybee producer of honey operation.  Defines that local governments cannot require further regulation.    This is for pure honey and honeycomb that has NOT been further adulterated (other ingredients or flavorings).   This keeps honey production as a “raw agricultural commodity”
• https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB519/2025
• Harmony Hollow – SUPPORTS this legislation

• HB 552 –  ( Mary Gonzales – D )   Relating to a study by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to determine standards for the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of certain agricultural land used to raise or keep bees.
• https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB552/2025
• Harmony Hollow – SUPPORTS this legislation

• HB 1437 –  ( Mary Gonzales – D )   Relating to the task force on pollinator health.   Defines the team for this task force – as well as their mission.
• https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB1437/2025
• Harmony Hollow – SUPPORTS this legislation

• SB 497 – ( Kevin Sparks – R )  Allows DURING A TIME OF DECLARED EMERGENCY – and via ISSUED PERMIT – vehicles to use red dyed fuel (that is not taxed) during the time of declared emergency – and in the area of the emergency declaration.   Dyed sales of fuel need to be documented.   Operation of normally off-road or equipment not meant for on-road use – must be done in a manner to prevent damage to the roadways.
• https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB497/2025
• Harmony Hollow – Neutral on this issue at this time

• HB 1113 – ( Briscoe Cain – R )  Allows for hemp to be added to Agricultural products and commodities in Texas – and allows for places of higher education to apply for a permit for research on hemp.
• https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB1113/2025
• Harmony Hollow – Neutral on this issue at this time