TRA unites with Texas Legislature to defend BBQ Bill

The Texas Restaurant Association is currently supporting a long list of Texas legislators in solidarity against a misinterpretation of the “BBQ Bill” written into the rules by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

TRA News Now - TRA Safety Group

Have you heard about TRA's Workers' Compensation Safety Group? TRA has partnered with Texas Mutual Insurance Company for nearly 20 years on what is now one of TRA's strongest member benefits. The TRA Safety Group improves the well-being of others and significantly reduces employer costs by helping to reduce on-the-job injuries and illnesses, creating a healthier workplace and providing competitively priced workers' compensation insurance. Check out all the great benefits of the TRA Safety Group in the latest 2-minute TRA News Now!

Save the BBQ Bill

House Bill 2029 (the BBQ Bill), which passed during the 2017 Legislative Session, repeals the Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) requirement that restaurants selling food by weight maintain a certified scale, pay a $35 annual fee and continuously display a consumer sticker visible to the consumer.

Despite this however, TDA has now written rules stating that “food for immediate consumption” has to be “eaten on the premises,” and will continue their inspections of scales contrary to a unanimous legislature and the clear intent of HB 2029. In fact, there are recent reports of continued TDA inspections of scales’ certification and visibility – a clear misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the bill. In fact, the Commissioner of Agriculture originally argued for a veto of this bill, despite unanimous support among Texas legislators and widespread favor in the industry.

TRA News Now - Advocacy - Past, Present & Future

When it comes to advocacy, TRA fights for you on the national, state and local levels. We've had many victories over the years that have transformed the landscape for the way restaurants operate and do business. With your help, we will continue to advocate for what is best for Texas restaurants - from taxes, to alcohol regulations to operations - we continually strive to improve the business climate.