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Signed Into Law
Signed June 20, 2025Effective 2025-06-20
HB4285

Regular Session

Relating to the storage of alcoholic beverages by the holder of a passenger transportation permit.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

HB4285: Government Affairs Overview

Effective June 20, 2025, holders of Passenger Transportation Permits (commercial airlines) are authorized to store alcoholic beverages at off-airport facilities, provided the location is within five miles of the airport and in the same county. This legislation creates immediate logistical flexibility but requires airlines to amend TABC premises registrations and update insurance coverage before moving inventory off-site.

Rep. John McQueeney·House Bill·Regular Session

Moderate
Low Cost
Effective:2025-06-20

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HB4285
Relating to the storage of alcoholic beverages by the holder of a passenger transportation permit.
Moderate Urgency
Passed with Opposition
House Vote118 - 10
YEA
92% in favor128 voting
Senate Vote30 - 1
YEA
97% in favor31 voting
11
Total Opposition Votes
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-06-20
Enforcing Agencies
TABC
Primary Author: Rep. John McQueeney
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 (Immediate effect due to supermajority vote).
  • Compliance Deadline: Prior to Utilization. While the law is active, you strictly cannot store alcohol at a new location until the TABC has acknowledged your amended premises diagram.
  • Agency Rulemaking: The TABC may issue industry advisories regarding security standards for these off-site locations. Expect a 30-60 day administrative lag for the processing of new premises diagrams.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Map Geography: Immediately audit potential warehouse sites against the "5-mile + same county" statutory requirement.
  • 2. File Amendments: Submit premises diagram updates to TABC Licensing for the selected site immediately; do not wait for the lease to be finalized to start the conversation.
  • 3. Secure Inventory: Ensure the off-site location meets TABC security standards (controlled access, surveillance) before the first delivery.
  • 4. Update Distributors: Formally notify your alcohol distributors of the new authorized delivery point to prevent delivery refusals.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Real Estate Leases: New industrial/warehouse leases must explicitly permit the storage of regulated alcohol and grant TABC agents right of entry.
  • 3PL/Logistics Agreements: If outsourcing storage, Master Services Agreements (MSAs) must indemnify the permit holder for violations occurring at the vendor's facility.
  • Distributor Agreements: Wholesale supply contracts must be amended to authorize delivery to the new off-site "licensed premises" address rather than the airport terminal.

Hiring/Training

  • Logistics Personnel: Staff managing the "last mile" transport between the warehouse and the aircraft must be trained on secure transport protocols.
  • Inventory Managers: Staff must be trained to segregate inventory records; stock held off-site must be distinguishable from stock held at the terminal in the event of an audit.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • TABC Diagram Amendment: You must file a formal update to your TABC premises diagram disclosing the new storage address.
  • Transfer Manifests: Create internal transfer documentation to track the chain of custody for alcohol moving from the off-site warehouse to the secure airport zone.

Fees & Costs

  • No New State Fees: The legislation does not impose new levies.
  • Insurance Adjustments: Review Inland Marine/Cargo policies. Standard coverage often ceases at the "destination" (airport). You must close the coverage gap for alcohol in transit between the off-site warehouse and the aircraft.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • The "Same County" Restriction: This is a critical compliance trap. Major airports (e.g., DFW International) straddle county lines. If your terminal operations are in Tarrant County, but your warehouse is 2 miles away in Dallas County, this is prohibited. You must verify the county jurisdiction of both the airport gate and the warehouse.
  • "Five Miles" Measurement: The statute does not specify "radius" vs. "drive distance." The standard regulatory interpretation is "as the crow flies" (radius), but you should maintain a conservative buffer (e.g., 4.5 miles) to avoid border disputes until TABC clarifies.
  • Commingled Storage: The law is silent on whether multiple airlines can share one warehouse. Until TABC rules otherwise, utilize caged, segregated storage to prevent inventory commingling.

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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.

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Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Mar 10, 2025
Passed House
May 10, 2025
Passed Senate
May 28, 2025
Signed
Jun 20, 2025
Effective
Jun 20, 2025
TopicsAlcoholic Beverage RegulationAirportsAlcoholic Beverage Commission, Texas
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House Authors

Rep. John McQueeneyRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors

Senate Sponsor

Sen. Tan ParkerRepublican · 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 HB4285

Q

What does Texas HB4285 do?

Effective June 20, 2025, holders of Passenger Transportation Permits (commercial airlines) are authorized to store alcoholic beverages at off-airport facilities, provided the location is within five miles of the airport and in the same county. This legislation creates immediate logistical flexibility but requires airlines to amend TABC premises registrations and update insurance coverage before moving inventory off-site.

Q

Who authored HB4285?

HB4285 was authored by Texas Representative John McQueeney during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB4285 signed into law?

HB4285 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB4285?

HB4285 is enforced by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

Q

How significant are the changes in HB4285?

The regulatory priority for HB4285 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB4285?

The cost impact of HB4285 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB4285 address?

HB4285 addresses topics including alcoholic beverage regulation, airports and alcoholic beverage commission, texas.

Q

What are the key dates for HB4285?

Key dates for HB4285: 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