AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lemonade Day leaders and young entrepreneurs joined Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Representative Matt Krause and Senator Jane Nelson today for a ceremony at the State Capitol -celebrating the signing of HB 234, dubbed the “Save Our Lemonade Stands Bill.”
Earlier this year, Lemonade Day National President Steven Gordon testified in support of the bill during the 86th Legislative Session along with Austin-based Lemonade Day youth entrepreneurs Branson Burton, Mikaila Ulmer, and Sidharth Srinivasin. Gordon, Burton and Srinivasin attended the ceremony today with other supporters.
Following the ceremony, Gordon announced preliminary plans to launch a statewide campaign on Sept. 1, 2019 -- coinciding with the date that the new law goes into effect -- to encourage Texas kids to host lemonade stands during the 2019-2020 school year. Gordon said he is working with corporate sponsors and community volunteers to schedule informational events in key Texas cities during the month of September.
“I am proud to have signed HB 234, ensuring that children in Texas will no longer require a permit to operate their lemonade stands. Passing the Lemonade Stand Bill encourages entrepreneurship and allows our children to learn the business skills they will need to thrive in the future. I invite ambitious young Texans to take advantage of this common-sense law, and channel the entrepreneurial spirit for which the state of Texas is known,” Governor Abbott commented.
Governor Abbott signed HB 234 into law 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!” Governor Abbott’s video went viral and attracted national media attention 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.”
Krause and Nelson also weighed in:
"I am honored to have Governor Abbott sign House Bill 234 into law. This legislation ensures that Texas' youngest entrepreneurs are able to cultivate the skills needed to be successful business professionals and fights back against overreaching municipal governments,” Krause said.
"It is difficult to imagine that some Texas children were prohibited from operating a lemonade stand. I am proud to sponsor this new law that encourages young entrepreneurs by legalizing lemonade stands in Texas,” Nelson commented.
“I am especially grateful to Governor Abbott, Matt Krause, Jane Nelson and the entire Texas legislature for their support of this bill. 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. Kids can register to participate in our Lemonade Day program for free. We provide kids and their adult mentors access to instructional tools that guide them through the steps that will make their experience in hosting a lemonade stand profitable and fun,” said Gordon.
Background
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 has joined 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 in May. 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 to join Governor Abbott and other supporters for the ceremony today,” Burton said. “I am excited that I was able to testify as a Lemonade Day business owner and to help legislators to change the law so that Texas kids can now set up lemonade stands at any time.”
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 communities 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.
