Texas House Votes to Relax Rules On Raw Milk Sales

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House has voted to expand rules governing raw milk to allow producers to sell it at farmers’ markets or customers’ homes. Representative Dan Flynn of Van assured his colleagues Thursday that the bill would not mean a blanket legalization of raw milk sales, which have been closely regulated for decades. Licensed producers are already allowed to sell raw milk directly to consumers at the point of production, usually farms. Flynn’s bill would let those same producers sell milk elsewhere, including at separate businesses they run away from farms, at farmer’s market stands or while visiting the homes of customers. Flynn, a Republican from Van, said it was about protecting small business from overregulation. His bill passed 122-14 and now needs a final, largely ceremonial vote to clear the lower chamber.