Texas lawmakers propose bills to force changes to blue laws

15 unusual facts about Texas' alcohol laws 15 unusual facts about Texas' alcohol laws Photo: AARON JOSEFCZYK, AARON JOSEFCZYK/Associated Press Photo: AARON JOSEFCZYK, AARON JOSEFCZYK/Associated Press Image 1 of / 86 Caption Close Texas lawmakers propose bills to force changes to blue laws 1 / 86 Back to Gallery

Texas lawmakers have proposed several bills aimed at what remains of the state’s old-fashioned blue laws.

The laws limited what goods could be bought or sold on Sundays, namely liquor and cars. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram took a closer look at some proposed bills that could change those restrictions.

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The state does not allow vehicles to be sold on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays. Sen. Konni Burton (R-Colleyville) has filed Senate Bill 441 to allow full weekend of car sales. Many car dealers, however, don’t want to see the law go. Local dealers told the Star-Telegram they don’t want to be open an extra day, and the effect on sales would be negligible.

Alterations proposed to some alcohol blue laws might have some more support. State rep Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) has proposed a bill that would open liquor stores an hour earlier on Saturdays to give patrons more time to get the libations they desire.

Senate Bill 604 and its companion House Bill 824 would allow package stores briefly to continue liquor sales after 9 p.m. during a legal grace period. Currently, sales can’t take place after closing hours, even if a customer is already in the store and in the process of making a purchase. Store owners risk fines for sales made after 9 p.m.

Blue laws served as a means to encourage (or force) people to attend church on Sundays. Most of the state’s blue laws – including ones preventing the sale of knives and nails on Sundays – have been off the books since 1985.

See more facts about Texas' strangest liquor laws in the gallery above.