BOTH sides of the aisle are talking about a controversial proposal to ban the sale of chrysantheums in grocery stores.
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Thursday to pass a bill to ban sales of chrystalos, or roses, in grocery store chains.
Opponents, however, say the ban is a step toward outlawing flowers that are considered a symbol of love, which could lead to flowerless weddings.
Bills to ban chrysalis and roses have been introduced in a number of states, but Texas and several others are the first to ban them in grocery chains.
“I think it’s a mistake,” Rep. Julie Brooks, D-Houston, told ABC News.
“We need to make sure that people know what is in the flowers.”
Betsy Ross, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Agriculture, told The Associated Press that the state is working with the Texas Association of Grocery Stores and the Texas Botanical Garden to craft a proposal.
She said the department is working to get a final decision on the ban in the coming weeks.
But some supporters of the ban say the state needs to take a hard look at how the flower ban would affect people.
“There are many people who don’t need flowers, so it’s really about protecting our environment and our natural resources,” said Texas Republican state Sen. Dan Patrick, who introduced the bill in the House.
“It’s not really about what’s right for the environment.”
In the Senate, Sen. Jose Rodriguez, R-Dallas, is working on a similar bill.
He said he wants to ensure flowers aren’t just for people who are looking for a quick and cheap way to make a statement.
The bill is expected to pass in the Legislature in coming weeks and could be on the governor’s desk in coming months.