The Texas Legislature is back in session, and while 17 items are on the agenda, one stands out for the green industry: impact fees tied to water and development.


Here’s what you need to know:

📌 What’s Happening
Lawmakers are revisiting SB 1253, a bill that would require cities to offer credits on impact fees when developers go above and beyond to conserve water or reduce wastewater.

🧾 Why This Matters
​Cities use impact fees to fund water and sewer infrastructure for new developments. But these fees have gotten expensive—really expensive:

• Austin: $7,700 per single-family home
• San Antonio: $7,343–$11,528 depending on location
• Houston: $1,618
• Fort Worth: $2,999
  
  

With the average home around $300,000, these costs are adding up—and pricing people out.

🏗️ What It Means for Our Industry

• Pro: SB 1253 encourages smarter development and conservation.
• Con: Cities could tie lower fees to stricter landscape design rules—like mandatory plant lists or layouts.
  
  
  

The bill passed earlier this year but was vetoed due to unrelated politics. Now it’s back—and TNLA is tracking it closely to ensure any changes benefit your business and keep design flexibility intact.
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We'll continue to keep you informed as this develops.

Hostile foreign ownership of agricultural land is emerging as a significant issue for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Nationwide, 25 states have already enacted laws restricting foreign ownership of land, with Texas now considering its own measures. The primary concerns revolve around land acquisitions by individuals or entities linked to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, particularly near U.S. military bases.
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According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, foreign investors from Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany collectively own approximately 50% of Texas agricultural land held by non-U.S. entities. While much of the focus has been on countries considered hostile to the U.S., this broader context underscores the complexity of foreign land ownership in Texas

During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 147 (SB 147), authored by State Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham). The bill sought to prohibit property acquisition by governmental entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It specifically targeted agricultural land, timberland, and property near military bases to mitigate potential security risks. SB 147 included definitions, exceptions for diplomatic and consular properties, and provisions allowing current landowners from these countries to retain their property while restricting future acquisitions.
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In presenting SB 147, Senator Kolkhorst cited examples such as the purchase of 130,000 acres near Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio by a former member of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. She emphasized concerns about national security and pointed out the double standard in which Americans cannot purchase land near Chinese military bases. Kolkhorst argued that similar restrictions should apply in Texas.
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As the 89th Legislative Session unfolds, several bills addressing foreign land ownership have been introduced. While some focus specifically on agricultural land, others take a broader approach to foreign ownership of Texas property. Most proposals center on limiting acquisitions by companies tied to the governments of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, or entities with significant ownership from these nations.
Current Legislative Proposals:

• SB 103 by Senator Bob Hall (R-Edgewood)
• SB 307 by Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham)
• HB 191 and HB 1566 by Representatives David Spiller (R-Jacksboro) and Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), respectively (identical bills)
• HB 518 by Representative Terri Leo-Wilson (R-Galveston), a broader bill banning all nonresident or foreign acquisition of agricultural land
• HB 1743 by Representative Mitch Little (R-Carrollton), targeting countries under U.S. arms embargoes, including Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nicaragua, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zimbabwe

This issue reflects a growing concern among lawmakers and Texans about the strategic and security implications of foreign ownership of land in the state.
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For questions or concerns, please get in touch with Curtis Smith at [email protected].

On September 24th, TNLA hosted a full-day Water Summit in Pflugerville, Texas, addressing the state's pressing water challenges. The event brought together a diverse group of TNLA members, including growers, garden centers, landscapers, irrigators, and academics, all united to tackle Texas' water crisis.

The summit started with presentations from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and community garden experts. They shared insights on cutting-edge irrigation technologies, best management practices, soil health innovations, turfgrass management, and sustainable landscaping using water-efficient plants.

​At lunch, Texas Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), Chair of the Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee, spoke about his upcoming state water plan for the 89th Legislative Session. His proposal includes using $5 billion from the Economic Stabilization Fund to develop new water sources, plus an additional $1 billion annually for future water projects. Potential solutions include brackish and ocean desalination and possibly purchasing water from other states. These measures are critical as Texas faces a projected 73% population growth by 2070, alongside an 18% decline in current water supplies.

​In the afternoon, attendees broke into small groups to discuss state water restrictions and water-saving strategies. The TNLA board will review the ideas generated for future initiatives.

​We sincerely thank all participants for their contributions to this vital conversation. Their engagement was crucial in shaping the summit’s discussions, and TNLA remains dedicated to finding innovative solutions to safeguard Texas' water resources.

The 89th Texas Legislative Session was marked by intense political drama and power struggles. The Texas House faced unprecedented challenges, including the impeachment and later acquittal of Attorney General Ken Paxton. This event highlighted the growing tensions between Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dade Phelan.
Governor Abbott has solidified his control by appointing key leaders to state boards, strengthening his influence. He actively campaigned against House Republicans who opposed his voucher bill and other legislative issues. Despite his power, Abbott's threats to unseat these Republicans have largely fallen flat, although it caused losses for the agricultural industry in key elections.
The Texas House, led by Speaker Dade Phelan, remains a critical wildcard. Although factions within the Republican Party have pushed for his removal, Phelan retains enough support from both Republicans and Democrats to maintain his position. Notably, Democrats often support the Republican Speaker, and their votes will be crucial in passing legislation that requires a two-thirds majority.
The Texas Senate, led by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, continues to consolidate power. With the resignation of Senator John Whitmire, the Senate has seen its last Democratic Chair. Patrick’s firm grip on leadership will ensure a more stable structure during the upcoming session.
Governor Abbott remains at the height of his political influence, particularly with border security becoming a national issue tied to his leadership. His popularity both within Texas and on the national stage has bolstered his position.
As the session progresses, the relationships between key Texas leaders will shape the legislative landscape, with agriculture and education at the forefront of ongoing debates.
For more information and how to make a difference, please contact TNLA Staff, Curtis Smith at [email protected]