

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.



When reading a list of proposed bills for the 2017 legislative session, it is easy to have your eyes and brain glaze over with mentions of ad valorem taxes and homestead exemptions.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.