From TNLA’s perspective, the biggest themes are water supply and supporting Texas agriculture, but the interim charges extend well beyond those issues. They also address insurance affordability, property tax relief, local government fees, workforce transportation, housing growth, permitting timelines, and the overall competitiveness of Texas agriculture and small businesses.

Taken together, these charges examine many of the core factors that determine how easy or difficult it is to operate a green industry business in Texas, from access to water and labor to the cost of trucks, insurance, land, and local permits.
​
Two House committees stand out as especially important for our members.

House Agriculture & Livestock includes meaningful charges on invasive species, Texas Department of Agriculture authority, agricultural resiliency, and expanding markets for Texas-grown products. These discussions could directly affect plant health response, quarantine processes, specialty crop competitiveness, and the visibility of Texas-grown nursery and landscape products.

House Natural Resources may be the most significant committee for the green industry this interim. Charges on groundwater management, new water supply strategies, brackish groundwater, data center water use, and regional water planning all go directly to long-term water availability and allocation. These discussions will influence how Texas balances growth, agriculture, urban water needs, and future supply development.

On the Senate side, we are also closely tracking charges related to data center water demand, utility revenue transfers, desalination, insurance affordability, local fee transparency, and CDL standards. Each of these has real implications for project timelines, business costs, labor flexibility, and long-term water affordability.

Our advocacy team will be actively monitoring hearings, identifying opportunities for committee feedback and testimony, and ensuring the voice of Texas nurseries, landscape professionals, irrigators, and allied businesses is part of these conversations.

The interim is where many of the biggest ideas for the next session begin to take shape, and we believe the 2026 cycle could be especially consequential for water policy, Texas agriculture, and the overall business climate for the green industry.

We will continue to keep you updated as these hearings develop.

Policy decisions made at every level impact how our industry grows and operates. 

• Local officials decide on water restrictions, landscape ordinances, and development requirements that can vary city by city. 

• State leaders influence workforce rules, licensing requirements, and agricultural regulations that shape how businesses hire, operate, and expand. 

• Federal offices help determine labor policy and agricultural priorities that affect the availability and cost of labor across Texas. 

For an industry rooted in local communities but influenced by statewide and national policy, engagement at every level matters. ​

The 2026 congressional elections in Texas will feature major races, but they’re also being shaped by unusual turnover and redistricting that could significantly change the state’s representation. 

So far, nine Texas members of Congress are not seeking re-election, creating many open seats. Without incumbents on the ballot, these races are expected to be more competitive and closely watched, giving voters greater influence over who represents them in Washington. 

At the same time, mid-decade redistricting has redrawn district boundaries across Texas, forcing some incumbents to step aside and reshaping the political landscape.  

Together, retirements and redistricting have turned Texas into a high-stakes battleground in 2026, one that could influence control of the U.S. House and federal policy decisions that matter to the green industry. ​

TNLA advocates for the green industry year-round, and member involvement plays an important role in helping us stay informed, responsive, and effective. When members share what they’re seeing and stay engaged, TNLA can identify issues earlier and advocate more proactively on behalf of the industry.
​
Member participation helps:

• Surface potential challenges before they escalate
• Provide real-world insight that informs advocacy
• Support efforts to shape policy, not just respond to it

Here are a few ways you can help and stay involved:
1. Stay Informed
TNLA regularly shares legislative and regulatory updates through the Hive Legislative & Regulatory Group. This group is a central place for timely information, advocacy updates, and opportunities to engage.
👉 Join or follow the group here:
https://thehive.tnlaonline.org/topics/45449/feed

2. Share What You’re Seeing
Many issues affecting our industry start at the local level. New ordinances, water restrictions, licensing changes, or regulatory concerns are often first noticed by members in their own communities.
Members are encouraged to post and share observations in the Hive, not just read updates. TNLA staff actively monitor these conversations and use this insight to track trends and respond proactively.
​
3. Take Action When You Can
Responding to action alerts, voting, and contacting elected officials all help amplify the green industry’s voice. Hearing directly from constituents who live and work in their districts helps policymakers better understand how decisions affect real businesses.

If you’re ever unsure whether something is worth flagging, reach out. Advocacy works best as a two-way conversation, and no issue is too small to share.

Working Together for a Stronger Industry
Elections and policy decisions directly impact the future of Texas’s green industry. By staying informed, sharing what you’re seeing, and engaging when opportunities arise, you help ensure that industry perspectives are reflected in decision-making.
​
Together, we can continue supporting policies that allow Texas’ green industry to grow and thrive.
Questions or insights? Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team:

• Curtis Smith, Director – [email protected]
• Karan Mehta, Manager – [email protected]

Last week, TNLA hosted a webinar with Jeremy Mazur, one of Texas’ leading voices on water policy, to examine how Proposition 4 and other statewide initiatives could shape the future of our state’s water supply, conservation, and infrastructure. Proposition 4—on the ballot this November—would dedicate $1 billion per year from existing sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund producing up to $20 billion of new funding over the next 20 years.

​
Jeremy emphasized that while new funding tools are essential, Texas’ long-term water security will ultimately depend on sustained infrastructure investment and close collaboration among utilities, landscapers, growers, and irrigators. He highlighted the role TNLA members already play in leading the way—designing sustainable landscapes, advancing efficient irrigation practices, and advocating for balanced policies that promote both conservation and customer choice.
​
 📺 Watch the full webinar here: https://youtu.be/lq-BuOC35qY
🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfv6buk 

Big news for Texas—and for every community that depends on reliable water.

This November, voters will decide whether to approve the largest water investment in our state’s history: a proposed $22.5 billion over the next 22 years to fix aging infrastructure, develop new water sources, and protect the long-term water supply for rural towns, cities, and the green industry alike.

This effort comes through two key pieces of legislation:
✅ Senate Bill 7 (SB 7)
✅ House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7)

If passed, these measures would constitutionally dedicate up to $1 billion per year—from state surplus funds—to support water projects beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2047.

Why It Matters
Water isn’t just a resource—it’s a legacy. And Texas is facing real challenges:

• Groundwater availability is projected to drop 25% by 2070
• Many rural communities are struggling with outdated or broken systems
• Population growth and development are putting more pressure on supply

This investment would support:
✔️ Desalination, water reuse, and aquifer storage projects
✔️ Upgrades to aging pipes and treatment facilities
✔️ Access to federal matching dollars
✔️ Support for small-town water systems

Governor Greg Abbott called this the “largest investment in water in Texas history”—and for good reason.

🌱 TNLA Is Involved
The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) strongly supported this legislation and worked with lawmakers to ensure our industry’s voice was heard. Water is vital to the success of landscape businesses, growers, and garden centers across the state—and it’s critical for the health of Texas communities.

What’s Next
📅 November 4, 2025 – Voters will decide the fate of HJR 7 at the ballot box.
This is a rare chance to secure long-term water funding for generations to come. TNLA will be doing its part to help educate members, clients, and voters about why this matters—and we hope you will too.
​
Let’s invest in the future of Texas—together.

This year, TNLA turns 25—and we’re feeling all the pride, gratitude, and excitement that comes with a milestone like this. For 25 years, we’ve grown together, advocated together, and built something bigger than any one of us.
And none of it would be possible without you—our members.

So as we wrap up our fiscal year and head into the end of membership renewal season, we wanted to say thank you… and remind you of everything that comes with being part of TNLA

Did You Know Your Membership Includes All This?

💼 Advocacy That Protects Your Business
From water restrictions to workforce rules, TNLA is your voice at the Capitol. This year alone, dozens of members cited legislative updates as one of their top-valued benefits.

🤝 Connections That Stick
Members consistently name Expo and networking events as their favorite part of TNLA. Whether you're new or a longtime member, you’ve probably made at least one lifelong friend at Expo.

📣 Communication You Can Count On
We know things move fast. That’s why we keep you in the loop with timely updates, member alerts, and resources. Coming Soon! A news app--so you never have to wonder what’s going on in your industry & stay connected- anywhere, anytime!

🎓 Education That Pays for Itself
Need CEUs? Want to develop your next leader? From Leadership Bootcamp to certification programs, your membership opens doors to growth—for you and your team.

📬 Tools to Hire Smarter
You asked for better recruiting help—and we’re delivering. Coming Soon!! A new mobile-friendly job board! Making it easier than ever to find the right fit.

📢 A Community That Cares
Did you know members rated TNLA’s overall value at 4 out of 5? We’re proud of that—and always striving to make it a 5.
Our fiscal year ends June 30, so now’s the time to lock in your benefits for another year of growth, connection, and progress.
​
Because after all—we’re not just celebrating 25 years of TNLA…
We’re celebrating 25 years of serving YOU.
 
Renew Your Membership Now by visiting: https://www.tnlaonline.org/renew-now.html

The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front.


Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole
Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam.
While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:

• Could undermine public health and water quality
• Weaken credibility of Texas licensing systems used by irrigators, landscape architects, and more

TNLA acted early, working with lawmakers and partners to highlight long-term consequences. By defeating this bill, we helped preserve the integrity of Texas licensure standards and the trust communities place in our professionals.


Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk
A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor.
The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state.
Benefits include:

• Faster response times
• Reduced damage
• Stronger protection for Texas horticulture, landscapes, and ecosystems

This system will boost industry resilience and protect the health of our green infrastructure.
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee.


TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B
On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans.
They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:

• Seasonal business needs
• Local economies
• A reliable, returning workforce

We also raised concerns about the H-2A program and broader labor challenges. These conversations highlighted the need for permanent H-2B cap relief to protect workforce stability across the green industry.


Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment
On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:

• Poor diet (especially ultra-processed foods)
• Chemical and environmental exposure
• Sedentary, screen-heavy lifestyles
• Overuse of pharmaceuticals

It calls for major reforms in food systems, public health research, and environmental regulations.

Why it matters for TNLA:
The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 
🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha

FREE Webinar: Stay Compliant & Avoid I-9 Audits
Thursday, June 12, 2025
🕐 12:30 PM
I-9 audits are increasing across the country—and for many businesses, one misstep could mean costly consequences. TNLA is teaming up with legal expert Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP to bring you a can’t-miss compliance webinar:
“Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits and Stay Compliant.”
🔍 Topics include:

• Identity theft & the Innocent Bystander Act
• How to handle identity confessions
• SSA no-match notices
• Practical tips to reduce audit risks

👉 Register Now to protect your business and get ahead of the curve.

June 2, 2025 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Location:  In the Horticulture/Forest Science Building: 495 Horticulture Rd, College Station, TX 77843  
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in horticulture-related careers

Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about horticulture, this event at Texas A&M offers a closer look into degree programs and careers in plant science. Attendees will explore everything from floral design and plant genetics to controlled environment horticulture—and meet with current students and faculty along the way

We’re excited to share not one, but two upcoming Women in Horticulture gatherings—each with its own focus and purpose. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out:

🌼 TNLA Women in Hort Virtual Meeting Hosted by TNLA (Statewide)
📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM | 💻 Virtual

​Join women across Texas in this virtual statewide event featuring guest speaker Jennifer Hatalski, TCNP of Calloway’s Nursery. This is a great chance to gain professional insight, ask questions, and feel inspired by other women in the industry—no matter where you're located.

​🪴 Pro Tip: You’re welcome to attend both! One connects you statewide, the other strengthens your local network. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.

​🌿 Region VIII – In-Person Women in Hort Gathering
​Hosted by TNLA Region VIII (Central Texas Only)
📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00–8:00 PM
📍 Bear Creek Retreat, 13813 Carpenter Ln, Manchaca, TX 78652

This in-person gathering is exclusively for women in TNLA’s Region VIII, including Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. It’s all about building local connections, swapping knowledge, and supporting one another in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
​
RSVP to:[email protected] 

July 24–25, 2025
Hosted Online
Calling all landscape architects and designers! The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas program is offering a two-day virtual seminar to train professionals on how to support nature-based outdoor spaces for early childhood education programs.
💸 Scholarships available to cover the $1,000 course fee—apply today!

• July 24: 1 PM – 5 PM
• July 25: 9 AM – 5 PM

​👏 What TNLA is Doing
From leading I-9 compliance efforts to promoting professional development opportunities like Women in Hort, TNLA is committed to connecting you with the resources that matter most. We advocate, we educate, and we cultivate a stronger green industry—together.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates!

The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front.


Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole
Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam.
While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:

• Could undermine public health and water quality
• Weaken credibility of Texas licensing systems used by irrigators, landscape architects, and more

TNLA acted early, working with lawmakers and partners to highlight long-term consequences. By defeating this bill, we helped preserve the integrity of Texas licensure standards and the trust communities place in our professionals.


Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk
A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor.
The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state.
Benefits include:

• Faster response times
• Reduced damage
• Stronger protection for Texas horticulture, landscapes, and ecosystems

This system will boost industry resilience and protect the health of our green infrastructure.
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee.


TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B
On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans.
They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:

• Seasonal business needs
• Local economies
• A reliable, returning workforce

We also raised concerns about the H-2A program and broader labor challenges. These conversations highlighted the need for permanent H-2B cap relief to protect workforce stability across the green industry.


Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment
On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:

• Poor diet (especially ultra-processed foods)
• Chemical and environmental exposure
• Sedentary, screen-heavy lifestyles
• Overuse of pharmaceuticals

It calls for major reforms in food systems, public health research, and environmental regulations.

Why it matters for TNLA:
The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 
🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha

On April 2, 2025, new U.S. trade measures were announced that represent a major shift in federal tariff policy—with broad implications for the horticulture and landscape industries.

Before diving into the specifics, here’s a quick refresher:

What Is a Tariff?
A tariff is a tax placed on goods imported into a country. It’s designed to make foreign products more expensive, either to encourage consumers to buy domestically or to apply pressure in trade negotiations.

Example:
If your business imports $100,000 worth of garden tools from Italy and a 10% tariff applies, you would owe $10,000 in duties—bringing the total cost to $110,000.

Who Pays for Tariffs?While tariffs are technically paid by importers at the border, the costs often get passed down the supply chain:

• Importers may raise prices to offset the cost
• Distributors and retailers may adjust pricing
• Ultimately, consumers and other businesses feel the impact

Key Changes TNLA Members Should Know

🔹 10% Blanket Tariff on All Imports
Effective April 5, 2025, a 10% tariff will apply to all goods entering the U.S., regardless of country of origin. This is one of the most sweeping tariff measures in recent history.

🔹 Reciprocal Tariffs Begin April 9A second round of tariffs will target goods from countries that impose barriers on U.S. exports. These “reciprocal” tariffs will vary by country and industry.

Exemptions include:

• Items under national emergency provisions (50 U.S.C. 1702(b))
• Steel, aluminum, and autos already under Section 232
• Copper, lumber, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals
• Energy and critical minerals not produced in the U.S.
• Bullion (precious metals)

These tariffs will remain until the administration determines that U.S. trade imbalances and unfair practices have been addressed.

🔹 Canada & Mexico
Impacts are limited for now under active IEEPA orders related to migration and fentanyl:

• USMCA-compliant goods: 0% tariff
• Non-USMCA-compliant goods: 25% tariff
• Non-USMCA energy and potash: 10% tariff

If these orders are lifted in the future, non-USMCA goods will be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.

🔹 End of Duty-Free Imports from China & Hong Kong
The de minimis rule currently allows duty-free shipments under $800. That exemption ends soon:

• May 2, 2025: $25 or 30% per item (whichever is higher)
• June 1, 2025: $50 per item

This change will significantly impact small package imports and e-commerce.

🔹 Auto & Auto Parts Tariffs
A 25% tariff on imported cars takes effect April 3, 2025.

​A separate tariff on imported auto parts will follow no later than May 3, 2025.

Parts that meet USMCA requirements are initially excluded. However, the Commerce Department will soon introduce a system to assess which components count as “non-U.S.” for tariff purposes.

What TNLA Members Should Do Now
If your business relies on imported goods—such as pots, fertilizer, hand tools, or machinery—it’s important to take proactive steps:

• Review your supply chains
• Talk with vendors about possible alternatives
• Evaluate potential cost increases
• Watch for evolving updates

While some of these tariffs may be temporary, the financial impact could be long-lasting.

Why Labor Access Matters More Than Ever
These new tariffs will likely increase your cost of doing business. That’s why labor policy must be part of the conversation. A reliable, legal workforce—especially through programs like H-2A and H-2B—is critical to absorbing financial pressure and staying competitive.

Tariffs and workforce access go hand in hand.
In a more expensive global marketplace, stability and productivity at home are non-negotiable.

TNLA will continue to monitor these changes and advocate for solutions that protect and support your business.
​
Stay tuned for updates.

You may have seen that President Trump has announced another 30-day pause on tariffs for "USMCA-compliant goods" coming from Canada and Mexico. Under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), products qualify for trade benefits if they are entirely made in one of the three countries or meet strict regional value standards—usually 75% or higher. Based on these criteria, peat moss should qualify for this 30 day pause on tariffs, though TNLA members should talk to their suppliers for confirmation.


This latest pause is a positive sign, but it is not permanent. We are continuing to push for long-term solutions, and momentum is building. Just this week, House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) specifically raised the importance of peat moss with the White House:


“I absolutely am weighing in … things like potash, nitrogen, I’d throw peat moss in there, too, because that’s important to horticulture and mushroom growers,” Thompson said in a Politico article. “I’m not bashful about weighing in with the White House. I got a great relationship with everyone, including the president. The worst thing that can happen is they’ll say no.”

What happens next?
We are working with a coalition of partners who have sent letters to key leaders, including:

• The House and Senate Agriculture Committees
• The House Ways and Means Committee
• The Senate Finance Committee
• President Trump and Vice President Vance

​
Our message is clear:
✅ Exclude sphagnum peat moss and peat-based products from any tariffs, or
✅ Grant peat moss "critical mineral" status, which could protect it from future trade restrictions.
In the meantime, things remain extremely fluid at the federal level. The situation in Washington, D.C., is being described as chaotic, with many industries scrambling to protect their supply chains from unexpected tariffs.
​
TNLA is working hard to protect our industry’s access to critical materials like peat moss, and we will keep you updated every step of the way.

Two key leaders in the Texas Legislature have filed major proposals that could dedicate $1 billion every year to support water projects across Texas. This money would be in addition to the $2.5 billion of one-time funding which is in both the House and Senate budgets.


To make this happen, they are proposing constitutional amendments. In Texas, this is the only way to automatically set aside state funding for a specific purpose, like water, and protect it from shifting priorities in future legislative sessions. For these amendments to become reality, they’ll need two-thirds approval from lawmakers and voter approval in November.


Here’s a quick look at the two approaches:

• Senator Charles Perry’s proposal dedicates 80% of the funding to creating new water supplies, including projects like desalination, aquifer storage, and water reuse.
• Representative Cody Harris’s proposal allows for more flexible spending, supporting a wider range of needs like repairing old pipes, upgrading infrastructure, water conservation, and public education on water use.

​
Both of these proposals are significant steps toward securing long-term, reliable water funding for Texas, and TNLA is actively monitoring and engaging on your behalf as these ideas move through the legislative process.