2024 Legislative Session: Over 2,200 Bills Filed
The upcoming legislative session begins on January 14, 2024, with over 2,200 bills and resolutions already filed. The race for the next Speaker of the Texas House remains undecided, an unusual development that adds uncertainty to committee leadership assignments.
The Speaker of the House plays a critical role in shaping which legislators will lead committees most important to the Green Industry, including:

• Agriculture and Livestock
• Natural Resources
• Environmental Regulations
• Ways and Means

Typically, the Speaker race is resolved well before the session starts. However, it appears we might not know the winner until the election takes place on the first day of the session, immediately after members are sworn in at noon. Until a Speaker is elected, no substantive business can occur, making the outcome of this vote vital to the legislative agenda and our industry’s priorities.

On Saturday, November 23rd, President-elect Trump announced his nomination of Brooke Rollins, a Texan with deep roots in agriculture and policy, as Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins, a native of Glen Rose, Texas, brings an impressive resume to the role, underscoring her dedication to both agriculture and conservative policy initiatives.

As president of the America First Policy Institute, Rollins has been a vocal advocate for Trump’s policy agenda since the organization’s founding in 2021. Before this, she led the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank based in Austin, from 2003 to 2018.

Rollins’s academic achievements reflect her agricultural and leadership expertise. A cum laude graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Agricultural Development, she made history as the university’s first female student body president. She later earned her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law, further equipping her for public service and policy-making roles.

Her professional experience includes serving as Deputy General Counsel, Ethics Advisor, and Policy Director for former Texas Governor Rick Perry, where she honed her skills in governance and ethical leadership.

If confirmed, Rollins will bring a uniquely Texan perspective to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasizing a balance between innovation and tradition in shaping agricultural policy. Her nomination highlights the administration’s focus on individuals with strong ties to rural America and a passion for supporting the nation’s farmers and ranchers.

As the nomination process unfolds, stakeholders across the green industry and beyond will be watching closely, anticipating the potential impact of Rollins’s leadership on U.S. agricultural policy.

Last week, TNLA traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with policymakers and advocate for critical workforce solutions. Our focus was on the H-2A and H-2B visa programs, ensuring that the Texas green industry has access to a stable and sustainable workforce.

With the new administration and Republican control of ​the U.S. House and Senate, our message was clear: workforce shortages are a pressing issue that directly impacts project costs, unmet demand, and lost economic opportunities. TNLA is committed to helping policymakers understand these challenges and support solutions that promote growth within the green industry.

​The green industry provides essential services, from enhancing public spaces to conserving water and improving community quality of life. Without a reliable workforce, these benefits are increasingly at risk. That’s why TNLA advocates simplifying compliance processes, reducing red tape, and lowering the costs associated with the H-2A and H-2B visa programs.

During our meetings, we highlighted how workforce shortages affect businesses and entire communities. We also emphasized the need for streamlined policies that allow companies to focus on their vital work instead of navigating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Looking ahead, TNLA anticipates a busy spring in Washington, DC. Now more than ever, it’s crucial for our members to stay informed and ready to support advocacy efforts.

As developments unfold, TNLA will keep members updated and ask for their engagement to amplify our collective voice. Together, we can ensure a bright and thriving future for the green industry.

Make Your Voice Heard: Key Election Dates and Endorsed Candidates
Early voting for the November General Election begins Monday, October 21st. It’s crucial for members of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association (TNLA) to get involved, as local, state, and federal decisions directly impact our industry. Policies regarding water usage, land management, and environmental regulations can influence our business operations and sustainability.
By participating in the voting process, TNLA members can help shape legislation that safeguards their interests, promotes fair regulations, and fosters growth and innovation for Texas’s nursery and landscape sector.
Important Election Dates

• October 21 – November 1, 2024: Early Voting
  
• October 25, 2024: Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail
  
• November 5, 2024: Last Day to Turn in Vote by Mail Application
  
• November 5, 2024: Election Day!
  

TNLA PAC-Endorsed Candidates on the November 2024 Ballot
The TNLA PAC has endorsed candidates who understand our industry’s challenges. Support these candidates to ensure TNLA’s voice is represented in the legislature:
Texas Senate

• District 17: Joan Huffman (R - Houston)
• District 20: Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D - McAllen)
• District 27: Morgan LaMantia (D - Palm Valley)

Texas House

• District 6 – Daniel Alders (R - Tyler)
• District 8 – Cody Harris (R - Palestine)
• District 9 – Trent Ashby (R - Lufkin)
• District 21 – Dade Phelan (R - Beaumont)
• District 24 – Greg Bonnen (R - Galveston)
• District 25 – Cody Vasut (R - Angleton)
• District 31 – Ryan Guillen (R - Rio Grande City)
• District 40 – Terry Canales (D - Edinburg)
• District 63 – Ben Bumgarner (R - Flower Mound)
• District 71 – Stan Lambert (R - Abilene)
• District 75 – Mary E. González (D - El Paso)
• District 81 – Brooks Landgraf (R - Odessa)
• District 83 – Dustin Burrows (R - Lubbock)
• District 88 – Ken King (R - Canadian)
• District 99 – Charlie Geren (R - Fort Worth)
• District 108 – Morgan Meyer (R - Dallas)
• District 128 – Briscoe Cain (R - Deer Park)
• District 141 – Senfronia Thompson (D - Houston)

Make sure your voice is heard—vote and support our industry!
For more information on how to get involved with advocacy efforts, please contact TNLA Staff Curtis Smith by emailing him 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] 

​On September 18, 2024, the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association (TNLA) had the privilege of testifying before the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock at the Texas Capitol. Representing TNLA were George Shackleford from Brazos Citrus Nursery, who serves as a Grower representative on the TNLA Board, and Curtis Smith, TNLA's Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs.

During the hearing, TNLA emphasized the importance of stop-sale orders as a protective measure for agriculture. However, we stressed the need to balance these orders with respect for Texans' personal property rights. Our testimony highlighted the necessity of greater transparency from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) regarding their procedures and urged for clear communication and educational resources for our members before these orders are issued.
TNLA also addressed the growing concerns in the ornamental citrus industry, which is currently facing severe challenges from citrus greening and canker. These diseases have made citrus growing one of the most highly regulated sectors in our industry, underscoring the need for ongoing support and regulatory flexibility.
This hearing provided TNLA with an invaluable opportunity to increase our visibility at the Capitol and advocate for our members' interests. It also allowed us to strengthen relationships with legislators and their staff, ensuring that the concerns of the green industry are heard and addressed.

We are grateful for your continued support as we represent your voice at the legislative level, ensuring that the future of our industry is protected and thriving.
For more information on how to make a difference in the industry please contact TNLA Staff, Curtis Smith at [email protected]