[PRESS RELEASE] – AUSTIN, Texas, July 22, 2025 – The Texas Hemp Business Council (THBC) issued the following statement regarding the introduction of Senate Bill 5 during a special session of the 89th Texas Legislature:
“Some Texas lawmakers are once again ignoring the facts, the public and the governor.
“Despite Governor Abbott’s veto of S.B. 3 and overwhelming opposition from Texans, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senator Charles Perry are now pushing S.B. 5, a reckless repeat that would ban federally legal hemp products, kill small businesses and criminalize responsible consumers, all under the false premise of public safety.
“Governor Abbott got it right the first time: Banning hemp is bad policy and bad for Texas. His veto protected a $5.5 billion state industry that supports over 50,000 jobs and contributes $268 million in annual retail tax revenue.
“Texans have spoken loudly and clearly. With 150,000 petition signatures, 8,000 handwritten letters and three statewide polls, the message is the same: Prohibition doesn’t work. What Texans want is smart, responsible regulation.
“That’s why THBC strongly supports H.B. 4242, a common-sense alternative that includes 21+ age limits, child-resistant packaging and setbacks from schools. It’s the right path forward for public safety, economic freedom and the future of hemp in Texas.”
