Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB261 enacts a total moratorium on the sale and offering for sale of cell-cultured protein (lab-grown meat) for human consumption in Texas, effective September 1, 2025. This legislation impacts the entire food supply chain—from manufacturers to retail grocers and restaurants—requiring the immediate removal of all compliant SKUs from the Texas market to avoid criminal and civil liability.
Sen. Charles Perry·Senate Bill·Regular Session
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Significant regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review with your legal and compliance teams to understand implications.
Affected business types:
Affected business types:
highSignificant operational investment may be required.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation 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.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB261
SB261 enacts a total moratorium on the sale and offering for sale of cell-cultured protein (lab-grown meat) for human consumption in Texas, effective September 1, 2025. This legislation impacts the entire food supply chain—from manufacturers to retail grocers and restaurants—requiring the immediate removal of all compliant SKUs from the Texas market to avoid criminal and civil liability.
SB261 was authored by Texas Senator Charles Perry during the Regular Session.
SB261 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
SB261 is enforced by Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
The regulatory priority for SB261 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB261 is estimated as "high". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB261 addresses topics including agriculture, health, health--general, safety and food.
Key dates for SB261: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Adopt rules necessary to implement the prohibition and labeling definitions. (As soon as practicable after 2025-09-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB261 establishes the following penalties: civil/criminal penalty of Per Subchapter C, Chapter 431, Health and Safety Code (typically civil penalties up to $25,000/day or Class A Misdemeanor) for Offering for sale or selling cell-cultured protein for human consumption.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
SB261 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities, Texas businesses and commercial enterprises. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
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.
