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HB 3519

AN ACT relating to a prohibition against the cultivation of castor beans;

House Bill Louderback
Filed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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Fiscal Note

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What This Bill Does

Prohibits the commercial cultivation of castor beans (Ricinus communis) in Texas, making it a Class C misdemeanor to plant, grow, or harvest these plants for commercial purposes. The law aims to prevent the potential risks associated with castor beans, which contain a highly toxic substance, by making it illegal for businesses or individuals to grow them with the intent of selling or commercial use. The prohibition will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving farmers and agricultural businesses time to adjust their practices.

Subject Areas

Bill Text

relating to a prohibition against the cultivation of castor beans;
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Title 5, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding
SUBTITLE I.  PROHIBITED HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Sec. 129.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Castor bean" means the plant Ricinus communis and
any part of the plant, including the seeds, that contain the toxin
(2)  "Cultivate" includes plant, irrigate, grow, and
Sec. 129.002.  PROHIBITION ON CULTIVATION OF CASTOR BEANS.
(a)  A person commits an offense if the person cultivates castor
beans for a commercial purpose.
(b)  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to a prohibition against the cultivation of castor beans;