Texas House Bill HCR 101

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 7/7/26

Caption

Designating the tomahawk rib-eye steak as the official State Steak of Texas and directing the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote the tomahawk rib-eye steak as part of efforts to support Texas beef and agricultural products.

Summary

HCR 101 is a concurrent resolution that designates the tomahawk rib-eye steak as the official State Steak of Texas. The resolution frames the choice as a tribute to Texas ranching history, the cattle industry’s role in the state’s economy, and the cultural identity associated with beef, steak houses, cattle drives, and other food traditions tied to Texas agriculture. The resolution also directs the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote the tomahawk rib-eye steak as part of broader efforts to support Texas beef and agricultural products. It does not create a regulatory program or amend substantive law; instead, it is a symbolic measure that recognizes the steak as a state emblem and asks a state agency to highlight it in promotional efforts.

Impact

Because HCR 101 is a concurrent resolution, its legal effect is primarily symbolic rather than regulatory. It does not change tax, licensing, agricultural production, food safety, or consumer labeling statutes. Its practical impact is to add an official state designation and to encourage the Texas Department of Agriculture to incorporate the tomahawk rib-eye steak into marketing or promotional materials tied to Texas beef, ranching, and agricultural branding.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the measure was broadly well received in the House, where it was adopted by a large margin of 134 yeas to 10 nays. The bill text itself is strongly celebratory, emphasizing Texas pride, agricultural heritage, and the economic importance of cattle and beef. No committee transcript is available, but the overall tone of the resolution and the vote indicate general support with limited opposition.

Contention

The main point of contention appears to be whether the Legislature should devote time to symbolic designations and promotional resolutions rather than more substantive policy matters. The small number of nay votes suggests some members may have objected on that basis, though no recorded committee discussion is available to identify specific arguments. There is no indication of controversy over the beef industry itself; the debate, to the extent it existed, likely centered on the appropriateness and priority of naming an official state steak.