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]

In this quick video update, we share how TNLA is investing in the next generation of green industry professionals—from hands-on programs to strategic partnerships. Discover how these initiatives are helping our members recruit, retain, and inspire a skilled workforce.

In light of increased reports of immigration enforcement actions across the country, including worksite audits and compliance inspections, it’s more important than ever for businesses in the green industry to stay informed and prepared. While there is no confirmed evidence of widespread employer-based ICE raids, the situation is rapidly evolving, and misinformation is spreading.

As an employer, you have a legal obligation to comply with federal and state employment laws, but you also have rights in how you respond to workplace enforcement actions. That’s why TNLA is committed to providing credible information and resources to help businesses navigate these challenges confidently.

Key Steps for Employers to Stay Prepared
✔ Review I-9 Compliance: Ensure that all employee records are properly completed and up to date. ICE audits can happen at any time, and missing or incorrect documentation could result in penalties.
✔ Know Your Rights & Responsibilities: While employers must follow federal employment laws, it is equally important to avoid discriminatory hiring or termination practices based on immigration status.
✔ Have a Plan in Place: If ICE visits your workplace, designate a point of contact, understand what documents may be requested, and consult legal counsel immediately.
✔ Seek Reliable Guidance: Given the complexity of immigration laws, working with experienced legal professionals can help ensure compliance while protecting your business and employees.

Upcoming TNLA Webinar: Get the Facts from an Expert
To help members separate fact from fear, TNLA is hosting a free webinar with nationally recognized immigration and employment attorney Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP.
📅 Date: March 26, 2025
⏰ Time: 12pm NOON
💻 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Dg313xi8THiDdJFflTmSiA


What You’ll Learn:
✅ Understanding ICE Enforcement Actions – The key differences between raids, audits, and inspections and what they mean for your business.
✅ How to Prepare for ICE Audits & Workplace Visits – What steps you should take now to ensure compliance before an audit happens.
✅ Proactive I-9 Audits – How internal audits can help identify and correct issues before enforcement actions.
✅ Addressing Employee Concerns – Best practices for communicating with employees, handling workplace uncertainty, and countering misinformation.
✅ Your Rights & Responsibilities as an Employer – How to stay compliant while also protecting your business.
Attendees will also receive the Monty & Ramirez “Toolkit” for Immigration Compliance for Employers and Know Your Rights materials to share with employees.

Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Visits Your Business
While each situation is unique, there are general best practices that employers should follow if ICE agents arrive at your workplace:
🔹 Public Areas: ICE agents can enter public areas of a business, but they do not have the authority to stop, question, or detain individuals without cause. Employees in public spaces have the right to remain silent and request an attorney.
🔹 Private Areas: ICE agents cannot enter private areas of your business without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants (such as DHS Forms I-200 or I-205) do not grant ICE access to private areas.
🔹 During a Search: If ICE has a valid search warrant, monitor agents closely to ensure they stay within the scope of the warrant. Do not voluntarily provide access to records beyond what is legally required.
🔹 I-9 Audits: If notified of a Form I-9 audit, contact legal counsel immediately. Employers typically have three business days to provide I-9 forms. If ICE identifies unauthorized employees, businesses have 10 days to correct documentation or remove affected employees from payroll.

Supporting Employees with Know Your Rights Training
With enforcement actions making headlines, many workers fear workplace raids or unexpected detentions. Employers should consider providing Know Your Rights training so employees understand their protections under U.S. law, including:
✔ The right to remain silent – Employees are not required to answer questions about their immigration status.
✔ The right to refuse a search – ICE agents must have a valid warrant to conduct a workplace search.
✔ The importance of staying calm – Employees should avoid sudden movements or fleeing, as this could escalate the situation.

For additional guidance, we encourage employers to review the National Immigration Law Center’s resources:
📌 What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration

TNLA is Here to Help
At TNLA, we understand that immigration enforcement is a complex and sensitive issue for many businesses in our industry. That’s why we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue providing timely, factual updates to our members.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact:
Curtis Smith – [email protected]
512-579-3851

Stay informed. Stay prepared. We’re here to support you.

The green industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of key challenges is essential for success. TNLA is offering a series of expert-led webinars covering critical topics—from federal crop insurance to AI-driven hiring and immigration compliance. These free webinars provide actionable insights to help you navigate industry changes and protect your business in 2025.

February 27, 2025 | 12:00 PM
🎤 Speaker: Jeffrey VanLandingham, Tarpon Blue Insurance Advisors
🔗 Click here to join
A new federal crop insurance program is expanding coverage options for nursery growers. This session will provide clarity on eligibility, benefits, and how to leverage federal resources.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Expanded coverage options & higher-value protection for nursery growers
✔ How an FSA relationship can qualify growers for federal program dollars
✔ The difference between standard nursery plant insurance and federally subsidized crop insurance

leader​March 6, 2025 | 12:30 PM
🎤 Speaker: Jack Jostes, Ramblin Jackson
🔗 Register Here
Finding & keeping quality employees is one of the biggest hiring challenges in the green industry. Learn how AI-driven strategies can help streamline hiring, improve job descriptions, and attract the right talent.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ How AI can write job descriptions that attract top candidates
✔ AI tools to pre-screen applicants and improve hiring efficiency
✔ Strategies to boost employee retention & engagement
✔ Step-by-step ways to integrate AI into your recruiting process

March 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM
🎤 Speaker: Jacob Monty, Monty & Ramirez, LLP Attorneys at Law
🔗 Register Here
With immigration enforcement policies rapidly evolving, Texas businesses—especially those in landscaping & agriculture—are facing new compliance challenges. Learn how to protect your business and avoid costly legal missteps.

Discussion Points:
✔ Understanding ICE Enforcement Actions – The difference between I-9 audits, targeted arrests, and worksite enforcement
✔ Preparing for ICE Audits – Steps to ensure your business is compliant before an inspection
✔ Conducting Internal I-9 Audits – How to identify and correct compliance issues before ICE does
✔ Addressing Employee Concerns – Best practices for clear communication & managing misinformation


Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Today!These FREE webinars are designed to help TNLA members, and space is limited. Reserve your seat now and gain insights that will help your business thrive in 2025
Questions? Contact Sarah Riggins at [email protected] 

1. The Power of Collaboration
​The forum showcased the immense value of collaboration. Attendees had the chance to connect with peers, sponsors, and exhibitors while engaging in meaningful discussions about industry challenges and opportunities. Seeing online collaborators come together in person was a testament to the strength of the TNLA community and its commitment to shared success.

​2. Celebrating Industry Leadership and Innovation
This year’s event featured a special moment with the graduation of the Leadership Bootcamp Class, a program spearheaded by the TNLA Foundation. This initiative highlights TNLA's dedication to cultivating future leaders who will shape the Texas green industry. The ceremony inspired all attendees and reinforced the importance of investing in professional growth.

3. Celebrating Excellence at the Awards Festival
The hard work of our presenters and planning team truly paid off during the Awards Festival, which was a standout moment of the event. Recognizing the achievements of individuals and businesses in the industry reminded us all why we’re passionate about horticulture. It was inspiring to see the pride and enthusiasm from award recipients and attendees alike.

4. Exploring the Industry Through Tours
​The Forum also included exclusive industry tours, offering attendees a firsthand look at innovative practices and operations within the green industry & beyond. These tours provided a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge techniques in action, network with industry leaders, and gain insights to bring back to their businesses. Attendees consistently praised the tours for their practical value and the inspiration they provided

​5. Trends and Insights for the Future
The forum featured impactful sessions and panels that explored key trends and insights shaping the future of horticulture, including sustainable practices, workforce challenges, and innovative technologies. These sessions provided attendees with actionable takeaways to implement in their businesses, helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. The collaborative discussions and diverse perspectives showcased the strength and expertise of the TNLA community.

Resources
The Lone Star Hort Forum also included a live podcast recording of the TNLA Green Report Podcast, Season 4, Episode 3, titled "Navigating the Texas Green Industry's H-2A and H-2B Immigration Work Program." Moderated by Curtis Smith (TNLA) and featuring expert panelists Devin Guinn and Antonio Vergara, the session covered:

Challenges and opportunities with H-2A and H-2B work programs.
Practical advice for navigating regulations and securing reliable labor.
Sponsored by Forward.us, the podcast is a must-listen for professionals seeking workforce sustainability solutions.
Listen to the Podcast:
👉 Full Episode HERE
The closing keynote, "Decision FAIL: Top Business Decision Making Mistakes (and How Smart Leaders Avoid Them)," by Brett Hoogeveen of BetterCulture, captivated attendees. Brett shared actionable strategies like the "360 Rule" and "Pre-Mortem" exercises, offering practical tools for improving decision-making and avoiding common pitfalls in leadership. You can download his slide deck HERE

Looking Ahead
The Lone Star Hort Forum 2025 was a celebration of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. From the TNLA Foundation’s leadership initiatives to the keynote, industry tours, and networking opportunities, the event reinforced the importance of working together to advance the green industry.

We’re grateful to everyone who attended, presented, and supported this year’s Lone Star Hort Forum. Your participation drives the success of our community, and we can’t wait to see how these experiences shape the future.

What was your favorite moment from the forum? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us—we’d love to hear from you!