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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
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As the legislative session moves forward, several bills have been introduced that could have a direct impact on the nursery and landscape industry in Texas. From tax exemptions on agricultural inputs to water conservation policies and HOA regulations, these proposals could shape the way our industry operates for years to come.
Below is a list of key bills that TNLA is monitoring—if any of these affect your business, please reach out with your thoughts, concerns, or insights. Your feedback is invaluable as we work to advocate for policies that support the Texas Green Industry. Tax Relief for Agricultural Inputs HB 255 / HJR 31 by Rep. Guillen
HB 1964 by Spiller & SB 1035 by Sparks
Landscaping & Water Conservation HB 1424 by Rep. Goodwin
E-Verify Mandates for Government Contracts HB 323 (Spiller), HB 1019 (Shaheen), HB 1308 (Tepper), HB 1488 (Louderback), HB 2744 (Vasut), SB 324 (Kolkhorst)
Compost Use in TxDOT Projects SB 736 by Sen. Menéndez
Environmental Regulations HB 1637 by Rep. Hull
Additional Bills to Watch HJR 97 & HB 1370 (Rep. Raymond) – Proposes a constitutional amendment for property tax exemptions on xeriscaped land to promote water conservation. HB 1592 (Rep. Plesa) – A refiled TNLA-supported bill that would require AgriLife to establish a statewide alert system for dangerous plants, pests, and diseases. Get Involved – Your Voice Matters! As these bills progress, TNLA needs to hear from you! If any of these proposals impact your business, please share your questions, concerns, or insights with us. Member input helps shape our advocacy efforts and ensures we are fighting for policies that support the industry. Reach out to me at [email protected] to discuss how these legislative efforts might affect your business. Let’s work together to protect and strengthen the Texas Green Industry!
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Make an Impact: Join TNLA Legislative Day at the Capitol
The 2025 TNLA Legislative Day at the Capitol is fast approaching, and your participation is more important than ever. This annual event, happening March 13, is a key opportunity for Texas’ green industry professionals to come together, meet with state lawmakers, and advocate for policies that directly impact our businesses. Why Your Voice Matters With the legislative session in full swing, lawmakers are making decisions that affect water resources, workforce development, and regulatory policies—all of which shape how we operate. When industry professionals like you engage directly with legislators, it helps ensure they understand the real-world impact of these policies. What to Expect Attendees will have the chance to: ✔ Meet face-to-face with key decision-makers ✔ Share industry experiences and challenges ✔ Ensure TNLA’s voice is heard where it matters most Cost & Registration💰 Cost to Attend: $180 – This fee covers breakfast, lunch, and event expenses to ensure a productive and impactful experience. Hotel Accommodations: Book your stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District, using our exclusive hotel block for the night before the event. Click here to reserve your room before Feb 20 deadline. If you call into the reservations line, the Group Code is TNLA Support TNLA’s Advocacy Efforts We’re also looking for sponsors to help make this event a success. If you or your company would like to support TNLA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, reach out—we’d love to have you involved. Your presence at Legislative Day makes a difference. Register today and help shape the future of Texas’ green industry! 🔗 Register Now Contact Information: For more information or questions, reach out to: Curtis Smith Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-579-3851 We look forward to seeing you at the Capitol! Water is the lifeblood of Texas communities and industries, especially our green industry, which depends on reliable supplies. Yet, urgent action is required with over 8 million Texans affected by drought and aging infrastructure struggling to keep pace.
Legislative Efforts: A Game-Changer State lawmakers, led by Senator Charles Perry, are making this legislative session pivotal for water policy. Perry, chair of the Senate Water and Agricultural Resources Committee, proposes allocating at least $1 billion annually to the Texas Water Fund. This funding could support critical projects like infrastructure maintenance, desalination, and drought mitigation. Why It Matters to TNLA For TNLA, this is a critical opportunity. Our members have seen firsthand how water shortages threaten economic growth and the green industry’s ability to thrive. Cities like Dripping Springs and Conroe have already paused new development due to water concerns, and South Texas agricultural operations have faced devastating setbacks. Take Action with TNLA TNLA is committed to advocating for sustainable water solutions through consistent state funding and strategic investments. We support legislative efforts to address this challenge head-on and encourage our members to join us in calling for action to secure Texas’ water future. Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous state for future generations. 📖 Read more: Austin American-Statesman: Water Issues Are on State Agenda click here 🔗 Get Involved: For more information on how to get involved with Advocacy efforts don't hesitate to get in touch with Curtis Smith, TNLA Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, at [email protected] 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. 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.
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. 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:
For questions or concerns, please get in touch with Curtis Smith at [email protected]. 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:
Farm Bill Extended
Congress recently passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through March 14, 2024, which includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. The CR also provides $30.78 billion for disaster aid and economic assistance to farmers impacted by droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. Key allocations include:
Looking ahead, agricultural leaders are emphasizing the critical need for a modernized Farm Bill in 2025 to provide long-term stability and improved risk management for rural America. This legislation will be pivotal for our industry as we navigate workforce and resource challenges.  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. 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] |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
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