State lawmakers are taking another shot at passing a bill to allow the sale of homemade cakes, cookies and other baked items.
The so-called "Texas baker's bill" died on the House floor during the last legislative session, but State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) and Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) are giving it another go.
Wednesday night, lawmakers heard testimony on two such bills during a hearing of the House Public Health Committee.
Sheri Vineyard of Pflugerville testified in support of House Bill 1139/HB 2084.
"It's [baking] cathartic, and I love it. It's something I can do and still be a mom to my three kids, including the one with all the disabilities," Vineyard said.
The former pastry chef, turned housewife started baking and selling cakes out of her kitchen until she learned it was illegal.
"I figured, there's no way it's illegal, and it's illegal. My jaw dropped," Vineyard said.
Vineyard stopped doing cake sales and started making decorative cake toppers. She's hopeful for a change in law.
"There is a place for government regulation obviously, but I think if it's stifling really small mom-and- pop type businesses...it's not absolutely necessary," Rep. Rodriguez said.
Under the proposed House bills, people like Vineyard could sell their goods as long as they're non-perishable. The goods would also require labeling, including information about ingredients and disclosure that it was made in a home kitchen.
Home-based bakers would also need to obtain a food handlers permit.
The two bills were left pending in committee, but will likely be voted out next week. The bill would then head to the full House for a vote.
www.facebook.com/texasbakersbill.
