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• Many rural communities are struggling with outdated or broken systems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.
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Let’s invest in the future of Texas—together.

As the 2025 Texas Legislative Session enters its final stretch, several key bills are moving forward that could impact your business, your land, and your workforce. TNLA is closely monitoring these proposals and working to ensure your voice is heard in Austin. Here are the highlights:

🚨 Mandatory E-Verify for All Employers
Senate Bill 324 (by Senator Kolkhorst) has passed the Senate and is headed to the House. If it becomes law, every Texas business—public and private—would be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the legal work status of all new hires.

✅ What this means for you:

• Another layer of regulation and paperwork
• Time and resources needed to train staff and update hiring procedures
• Extra burden, especially for small businesses operating on tight margins
TNLA is in active conversations with lawmakers to ensure this bill is implemented fairly and with small business concerns in mind.

🌎 Foreign Ownership of Land Restrictions
Senate Bill 17 (by Kolkhorst and Hefner) aims to ban certain foreign entities from buying land in Texas, including agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential property. The goal is national security, targeting countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
⚠️ While U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt, the bill has raised concerns about:

• Unintended consequences for landowners
• Potential damage to foreign investment and growth in rural Texas

TNLA is watching this bill closely and urging lawmakers to consider how it might impact agriculture and green industry sectors.

🪴 Plant Pest Alert System Moving Forward
There’s good news for growers and landscape pros: House Bill 1592 (by Rep. Plesa and supported by TNLA) has passed the Texas House!

📢 This bill creates an opt-in email alert system to notify you of pest and plant disease outbreaks across Texas—helping businesses respond quickly and protect their crops and landscapes. The system will be managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

♻️ Protecting Composting and Sustainability
TNLA is also working on several bills related to food waste composting facilities (SB 2078/HB 4086 and HB 4271/SB 2240). These efforts come in response to proposed changes in Lee County.
We’re working to make sure any new policies:

• Support the sustainability goals of our industry
• Protect composting infrastructure
• Keep the green industry growing responsibly

TNLA Is Working for You
We’re actively engaged in advocacy every step of the way—reviewing language, testifying at hearings, and keeping members informed. Your business, your land, and your workforce matter to us.

Stay tuned for more updates as the session continues—and thank you for being a part of TNLA.