Bill Information:
HB 1686 (Philip Cortez) https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1686
SB 1062 (Judith Zaffirini) https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB1062
Relating to the regulation of food production on single-family residential lots by a municipality or property owners’ association.
Summary Timeline:
SB 1062 has been introduced by Senator Zaffirini and companion bill HB 1686 has been introduced by Rep. Cortez. TBA was not consulted about this bill prior to filing so we have no additional information. While TBA generally supports and encourages individuals being allowed to safely engage in beekeeping on their property, we are in the process of researching the background and details of the bills and therefore have not taken a position on the bill at this time.
Why it matters to TBA?
TBA is often contacted by municipalities to assist in reasonable ordinances in relation to beekeeping in urban or rural areas. We encourage the responsible keeping of bees throughout the State of Texas and encourage individuals to safely engage in beekeeping on their property.
Update as of May 19, 2021:
CS HB 1686 was amended to take bees out of the bill and add additional language for the regulation by cities and POA’s related to the remaining subjects of the bill. There was discussion about additional language that could be added related to keeping bees, primarily dealing with a standard for “best management practices,” but in the interest of moving the bill forward, bees were taken out of the bill language.
CS HB 1686 passed the House and is pending in the Senate Local Government Committee. The companion bill SB 1062 is pending in the same committee.
Additional Resources:
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.204.htm