HB4686 - Relating to the Texas alcohol tourism development program and advisory committee.

  89R9347 SCF-D     By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 4686       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the Texas alcohol tourism development program and   advisory committee.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 481, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter HH to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER HH. TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM           Sec.   481.701.     DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "program"   means the Texas alcohol tourism development program established   under this subchapter.           Sec.   481.702.     TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.   (a)   The office shall establish the Texas alcohol tourism   development program to develop and market alcohol tourism in this   state.           (b)  The program shall:                 (1)     using market research develop an alcoholic   beverage industry marketing plan to:                       (A)     increase tourism to wineries, breweries, and   distilleries in this state; and                       (B)     promote the consumption of and access to   wine, beer, and distilled spirits produced in this state;                 (2)     develop and maintain a list of the locations of   wineries, breweries, and distilleries in this state;                 (3)     post on a publicly accessible Internet website and   annually update a list of the locations of wineries, breweries, and   distilleries in this state that offer tours and tastings;                 (4)     promote wineries, breweries, and distilleries in   this state when promoting this state as a tourism destination;                 (5)     educate consumers about the wine, beer, and   distilled spirits produced in this state; and                 (6)     promote, market, and educate consumers about the   alcoholic beverage industry in this state using any other method   the office determines is appropriate.           Sec.   481.703.     TEXAS ALCOHOL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY   COMMITTEE. (a)   In this section, "advisory committee" means the   Texas alcohol tourism development advisory committee established   under this section.           (b)     The Texas alcohol tourism development advisory   committee is established to advise the office on the development of   alcohol tourism in this state.           (c)     The advisory committee is composed of the following nine   members appointed by the governor:                 (1)     a holder of a distiller's and rectifier's permit   issued under Chapter 14, Alcoholic Beverage Code;                 (2)     a holder of a winery permit issued under Chapter   16, Alcoholic Beverage Code;                 (3)     a holder of a brewer's license issued under Chapter   62, Alcoholic Beverage Code;                 (4)  a member of a chamber of commerce in this state;                 (5)     a researcher or educator specializing in economic   development;                 (6)     a member of the public who is not affiliated with   the alcoholic beverage industry;                 (7)  a representative of the office;                 (8)     a representative of the Texas Department of   Transportation; and                 (9)     a commissioner of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage   Commission.           (d)  The advisory committee shall:                 (1)     propose methods to market and increase the alcohol   tourism industry in this state, as provided by Section 481.702;                 (2)     develop a plan and schedule to implement the   marketing and growth methods proposed under Subdivision (1); and                 (3)     propose a budget and spending plan for the office   to implement the plan and the program.           (e)     Not later than September 1, 2026, the advisory committee   shall submit a report to the office and legislature detailing the   committee's proposed methods, plans, and budget, as required by   this section.           (f)     The advisory committee is abolished and this section   expires January 1, 2027.          SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act:                (1)  the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office   shall establish the Texas alcohol tourism development program as   required by Section 481.702, Government Code, as added by this Act;   and                (2)  the governor shall appoint the members of the   Texas alcohol tourism development advisory committee established   under Section 481.703, Government Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.