HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 234, dubbed the “Save Our Lemonade Stands Bill,” on Monday, June 10, using Twitter to share the news. In a 27-second video that has since garnered extensive social and mainstream media attention, Governor Abbott is shown signing the bill into law, raising a glass of ice-cold lemonade and saying, “So kids, cheers!” As of today, Governor Abbott’s Twitter video has garnered more than 36,000 likes and has been viewed more than 500,000 times not only for its message and its creative delivery, but also for what it signals for young kids who want to host lemonade stands and get a taste of “sweet success.”
“Lemonade Day leaders throughout Texas are jubilant about the passage of HB 234. The positive implications are huge for kids in Texas who want to engage in the powerful entrepreneurial lessons that hosting lemonade stands can deliver. Research by the venerable Gallup polling organization proves that kids in our Lemonade Day youth entrepreneurship program are more likely to start businesses as adults,” commented Steven Gordon, Lemonade Day National President. Gordon testified in support of the bill during the 86th Legislative Session along with Austin-based Lemonade Day entrepreneurs Branson Burton, Mikaila Ulmer, and Sidharth Srinivasin.
On Sunday, May 26, one day before the 140-day 86th Legislative Session wrapped up, Texas HB 234 passed. Texas HB 234 was introduced by House Representative Matt Krause and co-sponsored by Senator Jane Nelson. The bill amends the Local Government Code, Chapter 250, and the Property Code, Chapter 202. These amendments prohibit local jurisdictions from regulating the sale of lemonade or other non-alcoholic beverages by children in certain locations. The amendments also will prohibit property owners’ associations from adopting or enforcing certain restrictive covenants that would impede these sales.
Texas will join Utah and Colorado in allowing young entrepreneurs to operate a temporary business without a license after Governor Greg Abbott signs HB 234 in the coming weeks. The bill will go into effect Sept. 1, 2019. Activity on HB 234 began late last year when Krause learned of two north Texas business dreamers who had their lemonade stand shut down by law enforcement officials for not having secured a permit in advance. Andria, 8, and sister, Zoey Green, 7, wanted to raise about $100 to buy their dad a Father’s Day gift so they set up a lemonade stand. Krause introduced the bill at the beginning of the current Texas Legislative session. The bill has had only very minor alterations or additions as it has moved through the legislative process.
Gordon added: ”I am honored to have worked with Rep. Krause, Senator Nelson and their staff members who believe that kids should have the opportunity to start and run businesses without government restrictions or fees.”
Eight-year old Burton captivated legislators as he spoke before the House committee in March and before the Senate committee on May 7. Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., was so impressed by Burton’s testimony that after the committee unanimously voted to approve the bill, he presented the gavel to Burton.
“I felt special being invited to give testimony and having lots of support near me. It was fun that the senators were videotaping me,” Burton told Lemonade Day team members. “Receiving the engraved gavel means so much to me. It feels like a reward for my commitment and contribution. I was excited to help Lemonade Day and the legislators to help change the law so that Texas kids could set up lemonade stands at any time. I’m very proud to have been an important part of this bill.”
About Lemonade Day
Since 2007, the Lemonade Day program has been teaching leadership and business skills by encouraging children to launch a lemonade business in their community. The organization inspires young people with a desire to learn business skills and financial literacy to set up their lemonade stand where they can apply customer service skills, collaborate with business owners and investors, and experience real world business owner challenges.
Lemonade Day has expanded to 80 licensed markets in the United States, Canada, and six U.S. military bases. More than one million children and thousands of adult mentors have participated in Lemonade Day since 2007. Adults can register a child to participate in Lemonade Day and give them a taste of the sweet success that comes with owning their own business. For more information, visit lemonadeday.org/find-your-city.
