SB 3 Clears Committee

SB 3 Clears Committee—Senate Vote Could Occur Soon or Later in Session; Industry Prepares for Lobby Day

 

As expected, Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick aimed at banning non-medical THC products, passed the Senate State Affairs Committee last week with a recommendation for final passage by the full Texas Senate. The timing of the Senate vote remains uncertain—it could happen as soon as this week or later in the legislative session, depending on political strategy.

Heather Fazio of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center highlights the risks of SB 3 clearly: “If passed, the bill would ban the sale of THC products, handing this multi-billion dollar industry over to the illicit market. Even worse, SB 3 would severely criminalize the simple possession of federally legal hemp products, with penalties of up to a year in jail.”

Learning from Prior Legislative Sessions: The Importance of Resources

 

In the previous session, Sen. Charles Perry introduced a similar prohibition bill aimed at banning Delta-8 THC. However, instead of advancing it, Perry kept the bill stalled in his own Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee while simultaneously bottling up the House’s TCUP expansion bill, preventing it from progressing—a legislative “kidnapping” that created significant leverage in negotiations with the House to get the ban bill passed, and it would likely have worked. While we may never know exactly why he chose not to move forward, it is highly likely that the industry’s strong advocacy efforts played a role in stopping the bill from advancing.

 

Had Perry chosen to move the bill forward, the industry would have faced a serious challenge: we would have needed a highly specialized lobbyist who works specifically on persuading the governor to veto bills . This is an extremely niche skill set, and securing such an expert takes time and significant financial resources—resources that were not readily available at the time. Without the ability to pay for the necessary lobbying power, SB 3’s equivalent from that prior session could have easily passed and been signed into law, effectively banning Delta-8 in Texas.

 

This example serves as a clear lesson: having enough lobbying boots on the ground can make the difference between winning and losing. The industry was fortunate that Perry ultimately did not push his bill forward, but relying on luck is not a strategy. The more prepared and well-funded our advocacy efforts are, the better positioned we are to stop harmful legislation like SB 3 in the current session.

Industry Mobilizes for Citizen Lobby Day

 

The Texas Cannabis Collective, joined by groups including the Hemp Business Council, is organizing a Citizen Lobby Day on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Advocates from across the state will gather at the Capitol in Austin to meet with legislators and share their perspectives directly. The event includes educational sessions, guest speakers, and opportunities to engage directly with lawmakers.

Texas Hemp Business Council Raising Funds for Legal and Lobbying Efforts

 

The Texas Hemp Business Council is actively raising funds to support lobbying and legal efforts to fight SB 3 and other restrictive cannabis legislation. Industry leaders stress the importance of having the financial resources necessary to counter prohibition efforts effectively. HBC board member and Hometown Hero executive Curtis Chouteau emphasized the importance of broad statewide engagement, stating, “This fight is gonna be won in towns like Tyler, Marshall, Abilene, and Pecos. That is a lot of ground to cover, and we need the resources to cover it.”

 

Stakeholders can contribute by becoming members of the Texas Hemp Business Council. More information on membership options and how to support the fight against SB 3 can be found here: [Texas Hemp Business Council Membership](https://texashempbusinesscouncil.com/membership/) \ \ \ \ .

Vigilance and Preparedness Are Crucial

Given the complexity of the legislative process, advocates are urged to stay alert. The Senate could quickly advance SB 3 through procedural maneuvers with minimal notice, highlighting the importance of having expert lobbyists and clear strategies in place. Fazio emphasizes that preparedness and swift action are key to protecting Texas hemp businesses and consumers.

 

“You don’t want to lose a legislative battle because you lacked resources,” said Fazio. “Winning requires planning, funding, and ongoing engagement.”

 

Currently, SB 3 does not have a companion bill in the House, but approximately 20 THC-related House bills remain active. These could serve as vehicles for amendments or substitutes in the Senate, underscoring the importance of tracking all relevant legislation.

 

Stakeholders should closely follow expert guidance, participate in lobbying efforts, and remain engaged throughout the session.

Stay tuned for further updates as events unfold.

By Jay Maguire, Legacy chairman,Texas Hemp Federation