We will be back in 2027! In the meantime here are the 89th Legislative Session Priorities:
Key Bills We Support
1. A Texas-Sized Investment in Water Infrastructure
SJR 66 by Senator Perry and HJR 7 by Rep. Harris
Texas’ ongoing water challenges impact our industry at every level, from nursery production to landscape irrigation. TNLA members are committed to water conservation and efficiency, and we have been actively advocating for increased state investment in water infrastructure.
This session, both the House and Senate budgets propose investing $2.5 billion in water infrastructure. Additionally, Senator Perry and Rep. Harris have proposed constitutional amendments that would dedicate an additional $1 billion per year in existing tax revenue to fund water projects.
TNLA strongly supports a Texas-sized investment in our water future because it is essential to: Support existing and future economic growth Secure jobs and business stability Strengthen Texas’ resilience to drought
2. Right to Farm: Strengthening Protections for Agricultural Businesses
HB 1964 by Rep. Spiller and SB 1035 by Sen. Sparks
Despite the passage of the Right to Farm constitutional amendment in 2023, cities continue to enforce regulations that harm agricultural businesses and increase costs.
House Bill 1964 and Senate Bill 1035 would: Implement attorney fee provisions in the Right to Farm Act Allow farmers and ranchers to recover legal fees when challenging local overreach Prevent local interference that disrupts agricultural operations
3.Tax Fairness for Agriculture: Clarifying Farm Product Exemptions
HB 255 / HJR 31 – Rep. Guillen
Texas farmers and producers currently receive a property tax exemption on certain farm products, livestock, and equipment, but inconsistencies remain. Essential items used to begin production—such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides—are not exempt, adding unnecessary costs for producers and consumers.
HB 255 and HJR 31 would amend the state constitution to: Clarify the definition of "farm products" for tax purposes
Ensure farmers receive consistent exemptions Properly incentivize agricultural production in Texas
4. Pest and Disease Alerts: Keeping Texas Agriculture Informed
HB 1592 – Rep. Plesa
Protecting Texas agriculture from harmful pests and diseases is critical to the health of our industry. Quick, transparent communication helps limit the spread of threats and minimizes business disruptions.
HB 1592 would establish a statewide Agriculture Alert System, administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, to provide timely notifications about: Confirmed pest or disease outbreaks Quarantine updates Regulatory requirements for affected businesses
By keeping stakeholders informed and prepared, this system will safeguard Texas growers, retailers, and consumers from emerging agricultural threats.
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Key Topics We Support
1. Insurance Rates: Addressing Rising Costs
Skyrocketing insurance costs are a growing burden on Texas businesses. TNLA is working with the Lone Star Economic Alliance, a coalition focused on stopping abusive lawsuits that drive up costs for businesses.
We are urging the Legislature to restore fairness in the legal system to ensure frivolous lawsuits don’t raise insurance rates for hardworking Texans.
2. Credit Card Fees: Protecting Texas Businesses
TNLA is part of Texans Against Hidden Credit Card Fees, a coalition of small businesses, local merchants, and consumers working to address excessive and hidden credit card processing fees—also known as “swipe fees”—that cost Texas businesses and consumers over $10 billion annually.
This session, Texas is taking a first-of-its-kind approach to introduce competition and transparency in credit card processing. This legislation will: Protect small businesses from predatory swipe fees Ensure fairer financial practices Keep costs lower for Texas businesses and consumer
For more questions please contact Curtis Smith at [email protected]
Key Bills We Support
1. A Texas-Sized Investment in Water Infrastructure
SJR 66 by Senator Perry and HJR 7 by Rep. Harris
Texas’ ongoing water challenges impact our industry at every level, from nursery production to landscape irrigation. TNLA members are committed to water conservation and efficiency, and we have been actively advocating for increased state investment in water infrastructure.
This session, both the House and Senate budgets propose investing $2.5 billion in water infrastructure. Additionally, Senator Perry and Rep. Harris have proposed constitutional amendments that would dedicate an additional $1 billion per year in existing tax revenue to fund water projects.
TNLA strongly supports a Texas-sized investment in our water future because it is essential to: Support existing and future economic growth Secure jobs and business stability Strengthen Texas’ resilience to drought
2. Right to Farm: Strengthening Protections for Agricultural Businesses
HB 1964 by Rep. Spiller and SB 1035 by Sen. Sparks
Despite the passage of the Right to Farm constitutional amendment in 2023, cities continue to enforce regulations that harm agricultural businesses and increase costs.
House Bill 1964 and Senate Bill 1035 would: Implement attorney fee provisions in the Right to Farm Act Allow farmers and ranchers to recover legal fees when challenging local overreach Prevent local interference that disrupts agricultural operations
3.Tax Fairness for Agriculture: Clarifying Farm Product Exemptions
HB 255 / HJR 31 – Rep. Guillen
Texas farmers and producers currently receive a property tax exemption on certain farm products, livestock, and equipment, but inconsistencies remain. Essential items used to begin production—such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides—are not exempt, adding unnecessary costs for producers and consumers.
HB 255 and HJR 31 would amend the state constitution to: Clarify the definition of "farm products" for tax purposes
Ensure farmers receive consistent exemptions Properly incentivize agricultural production in Texas
4. Pest and Disease Alerts: Keeping Texas Agriculture Informed
HB 1592 – Rep. Plesa
Protecting Texas agriculture from harmful pests and diseases is critical to the health of our industry. Quick, transparent communication helps limit the spread of threats and minimizes business disruptions.
HB 1592 would establish a statewide Agriculture Alert System, administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, to provide timely notifications about: Confirmed pest or disease outbreaks Quarantine updates Regulatory requirements for affected businesses
By keeping stakeholders informed and prepared, this system will safeguard Texas growers, retailers, and consumers from emerging agricultural threats.
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Key Topics We Support
1. Insurance Rates: Addressing Rising Costs
Skyrocketing insurance costs are a growing burden on Texas businesses. TNLA is working with the Lone Star Economic Alliance, a coalition focused on stopping abusive lawsuits that drive up costs for businesses.
We are urging the Legislature to restore fairness in the legal system to ensure frivolous lawsuits don’t raise insurance rates for hardworking Texans.
2. Credit Card Fees: Protecting Texas Businesses
TNLA is part of Texans Against Hidden Credit Card Fees, a coalition of small businesses, local merchants, and consumers working to address excessive and hidden credit card processing fees—also known as “swipe fees”—that cost Texas businesses and consumers over $10 billion annually.
This session, Texas is taking a first-of-its-kind approach to introduce competition and transparency in credit card processing. This legislation will: Protect small businesses from predatory swipe fees Ensure fairer financial practices Keep costs lower for Texas businesses and consumer
For more questions please contact Curtis Smith at [email protected]
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