Committee considers loosening storage rules so airlines can use nearby warehouses

House Bill 4285 would amend a narrow section of the alcoholic beverage code to permit airlines holding a passenger transportation permit to store sealed alcoholic beverages either on airport property or within five miles of the airport so long as storage is in the same county.

Senator Sandra King laid out the bill on behalf of Senator Sandra Parker and described it as an update to reflect the operational needs of modern airline logistics. "This adjust adjustment supports operational efficiency without expanding alcohol privileges or weakening oversight," the sponsor said, adding that the bill "does not create new alcohol permits, does not change who airlines must purchase alcohol from, and does not impact alcohol taxation." The sponsor argued the change helps airlines and their authorized third‑party logistics providers lease warehouse space near airports to meet provisioning demands.

The committee opened public testimony and, finding no registered witnesses, closed public testimony. No amendments or votes were recorded; the bill was left pending at the conclusion of the hearing. The sponsor asked the committee for support to maintain Texas' regulatory framework while accommodating modern operational practices.

The hearing record did not include a fiscal note or testimony from airport operators, airlines, or the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The change described would adjust where sealed alcoholic beverages may be stored by permitted carriers but, according to the sponsor's statement, would not change licensing, purchasing, or tax obligations on alcohol.