Report from the Capitol

I know it seems like things are moving slowly, but hopefully they are about the heat up!  Our bill made it through the preliminary stages, and was presented to the House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures on April 15, 2025.  Dawn and I traveled to Austin to show our support for the bill, and enter as witnesses as a show of support.  I also addressed the Committee for my two minutes to give my reasons for why this bill should pass.

It was a (very) long day, as we needed to arrive at the Capitol by 10:30am, as that was the earliest start time for the Committee.  As we are reaching a rather crucial time, given that the session ends on June 2, the House had several bills introduced, and did not adjourn until 6:00pm.  It was only after the House adjourned that the Committee hearings could start.  Our bill was the first on the agenda, after they completed pending business from the previous meeting (ie. voting on bills that had been left as pending).  Rep. Capriglione introduced his bill to the Committee and gave his arguments as to why it was just and reasonable that the bill be passed.  I followed with addressing the Committee.  There were no other witnesses, either for or against the bill, and no Committee members had any questions of either Rep. Capriglione or myself.

The bill was left pending.  We are hopeful that it will be voted on and pass at the next meeting of the Committee, although that does not appear to be scheduled yet.

We will definitely post an update when we find out more information.  In the meantime, if you live in Texas please take a moment to e-mail Committee Chair Rep. Dade Phelan’s office to ask that they pass HB 2278 to finally bring equal treatment to hobby distillers as that enjoyed by hobby beer and wine makers.

To e-mail Rep. Phelan’s office please visit https://house.texas.gov/members/2905