# Fuel, RTDs & Retail Policy | Desiree Castro, TFFA | USLege

> Ready to Drink Cocktails Podcast with Desiree Castro explores beverage policy, retail dynamics & Texas market innovation. Learn more here.

Canonical: https://www.uslege.ai/podcast/32-desiree-castro-the-intersection-of-fuel-rtds-and-retail-policy-a-deep-dive

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[Bills and Business](/podcast)/Episode 32

Podcast · Episode 32

# Fuel, RTDs & Retail Policy | Desiree Castro, TFFA

Desiree Castro, Director of Government Relations at the Texas Food & Fuel Association

Podcast June 12, 2025

[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/22ZWg9VVb2AEGqyV14osNi) [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bills-and-business-by-uslege/id1781059329) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@BillsandBusiness) [All episodes →](/podcast)

Welcome to Episode #32 of Bills & Business. In this episode, host Laura Davis is joined by Desiree Castro, Director of Government Relations at the Texas Food & Fuel Association. With over a decade of legislative experience, Desiree unpacks the key policy battles affecting Texas retailers, from spirit-based RTDs and fuel theft to swipe fee reform.  

They explore the stakes of SB 2225 and the push to modernize alcohol regulations for convenience retailers. The conversation then shifts to SB 1499 and the rise of organized motor fuel theft, examining how proposed legislation could help prevent fraud across the state. Finally, Desiree breaks down how hidden swipe fees affect independent retailers and what reforms may be on the horizon.  

Tune in as Laura and Desiree discuss how the Texas Legislature is responding to the evolving needs of retail businesses, and what business owners can do to stay involved.  

Don’t forget to subscribe to Bills & Business on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations at the intersection of business and public policy.

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Bills and Business

Conversations at the intersection of policy and industry. New episodes weekly on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

[All episodes](/podcast)

## More from _Bills and Business._

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