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Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-06-20
HB1629

Regular Session

Relating to fireworks sales to the public by retail fireworks permit holders in certain counties.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

HB1629: Government Affairs Overview

HB1629 amends the Texas Occupations Code to expand the eligibility radius for the "Cinco de Mayo" (May 1–5) fireworks sales season from 100 miles to 150 miles from the Texas-Mexico border. Retailers located within this new 50-mile "Expansion Zone" may now operate during this window, but only if they secure affirmative authorization from their local County Commissioners Court.

Rep. Brooks Landgraf·House Bill·Regular Session

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-06-20

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HB1629
Relating to fireworks sales to the public by retail fireworks permit holders in certain counties.
Low Urgency
Passed with Opposition
House Vote120 - 19
YEA
86% in favor139 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
19
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies
County Commissioners Courts
Primary Author: Rep. Brooks Landgraf
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: June 20, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: May 1, 2026 (The effective date occurs after the 2025 Cinco de Mayo window; the first legal sales period under this statute begins May 1, 2026).
  • Agency Rulemaking: No state-level rulemaking is required. However, County Commissioners Courts must pass local orders authorizing these sales. There is no automatic "right to sell" without this local legislative action.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Verify Geography: Confirm your retail locations fall within the new 100–150 mile band using GIS mapping.
  • 2. Lobby Local Government: Contact your County Commissioner immediately to request the "May Fireworks Sales Order" be placed on the agenda for Q1 2026.
  • 3. Update Insurance: Instruct your broker to prepare a quote for adding the May 1–5 coverage window to your 2026 policy.
  • 4. Renegotiate Leases: Contact landlords to secure site access for late April 2026 setup.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Lease Agreements: Existing land leases likely cover only July 4th and New Year's seasons. You must execute addendums to Master Lease Agreements (MLA) to secure site occupancy rights for late April through May 5.
  • Insurance Policies: Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies for fireworks stands are often season-specific. You must contact your broker to endorse the policy for the May 1–5 window; operating without this endorsement constitutes a breach of contract and leaves the business uninsured.

Hiring/Training

  • Staffing Adjustments: Unlike summer or winter breaks, the May 1–5 window occurs while schools are in session. You cannot rely on student labor. You must recruit non-student temporary staff or adjust shifts to evening-only hours.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Geographic Verification: You must retain documentation (GIS mapping or surveyor certification) proving the retail site is within the 150-mile statutory limit to satisfy state inspectors.
  • Local Authorization: You must obtain a certified copy of the County Commissioners Court order approving the May sales. This document must be available for inspection at the stand alongside your state permit.

Fees & Costs

  • Insurance Premiums: Expect a pro-rated premium increase for the additional coverage period.
  • Lease Costs: Landlords may require additional rent for the added operational days.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Distance Measurement: The statute sets the limit at "150 miles" but does not specify the method of measurement (e.g., straight-line radius vs. drivable road miles). Standard interpretation defaults to "as the crow flies," but sites on the borderline (e.g., 150.5 miles) face regulatory risk.
  • County Discretion: The law is opt-in for counties. It does not provide criteria for a county to deny sales, nor does it provide an appeals process. If a Commissioners Court refuses to place the item on the agenda, you have no statutory recourse to force the sale.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Dec 16, 2024
Passed House
May 14, 2025
Passed Senate
May 28, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
Effective
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsAmusements, Games, SportsCounty GovernmentCounty Government--generalSafetySafety--fireworksBorder
03

House Authors

Rep. Brooks LandgrafRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors
Coauthors (2)

Senate Sponsor

Sen. Judith ZaffiriniDemocrat · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB1629

Q

What does Texas HB1629 do?

HB1629 amends the Texas Occupations Code to expand the eligibility radius for the "Cinco de Mayo" (May 1–5) fireworks sales season from 100 miles to 150 miles from the Texas-Mexico border. Retailers located within this new 50-mile "Expansion Zone" may now operate during this window, but only if they secure affirmative authorization from their local County Commissioners Court.

Q

Who authored HB1629?

HB1629 was authored by Texas Representative Brooks Landgraf during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB1629 signed into law?

HB1629 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB1629?

HB1629 is enforced by County Commissioners Courts (Authority to approve/deny sales in the new 100-150 mile zone).

Q

How significant are the changes in HB1629?

The regulatory priority for HB1629 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB1629?

The cost impact of HB1629 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB1629 address?

HB1629 addresses topics including amusements, games, sports, county government, county government--general, safety and safety--fireworks.

Q

What are the key dates for HB1629?

Key dates for HB1629: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026