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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 |
Steady Workers Mean Steady Business—Here’s Where We StandIf your business depends on seasonal help through the H-2B visa program, there’s some promising news coming out of the U.S. House—but still roadblocks in the Senate.
In late June, lawmakers in the House advanced an important amendment to the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. This amendment would allow long-time users of the H-2B program—employers who’ve participated in any of the last five years—to bring in the same number of workers again, without counting against the annual federal cap. This would give law-abiding employers more predictability, reduce lottery risk, and help protect your business from labor disruptions. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate didn’t include any H-2B reform in H.R. 1, the sweeping legislation recently signed into law. A proposal to create a “Certified Seasonal Employer” designation was removed late in the process after stalling over disagreements with the White House. What’s Next:
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 We’re excited to share great news--HB 1592 is now law in Texas, creating a statewide pest and plant disease alert system through Texas A&M AgriLife.
This important legislation was authored by Rep. Mihaela Plesa, sponsored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, and backed by strong bipartisan support. It moved smoothly through the Capitol and was allowed to become law by Governor Greg Abbott. What Does HB 1592 Do? The new law creates a real-time, email-based alert system to notify:
Why It Matters ✔️ Faster response times to outbreaks ✔️ Less damage to plants and landscapes ✔️ More protection for Texas ecosystems and the green industry ✔️ Better preparedness for changing weather and pest patterns From nurseries and retail centers to city parks and farms, this new tool gives Texans a better way to protect the plants we depend on. TNLA Member Voices Made the Difference We’re proud that Bill Carson of Native Texas Nursery testified in support of the bill. His voice—and the support of TNLA members across the state—helped lawmakers understand the real-world need for this kind of early warning system. Looking Ahead When HB 1592 reached the Governor’s desk on May 25, we celebrated. Now that it’s law, we celebrate again—knowing that Texas is better prepared to fight invasive species and plant health threats. This is more than just a policy win. It’s a step forward for:
TNLA Joins Texas Business Leaders in Calling for Permanent Protections for DACA Recipients6/16/2025  On June 11, TNLA’s Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Curtis Smith, joined a coalition of chambers of commerce, trade associations, and directly impacted individuals in Austin for a roundtable hosted by FWD.us and the Texas Association of Business, marking the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.
Moderated by Glenn Hamer, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Business, the event brought together Texas business leaders to underscore a shared message: DACA recipients are vital to our workforce—and our future. “I have seen firsthand how DACA recipients strengthen our workforce every day,” said Curtis Smith. “They are critical to keeping our industries competitive, and we need policies that reflect their value to our state and our economy.” 📉 The Threat of Losing DACA Protections Is Real—and Costly Participants heard testimony from Edilsa Lopez, an Austin-based DACA recipient and accountant, as well as updates from FWD.us policy staff on the current legal and political landscape surrounding DACA. The event highlighted the widespread economic risk posed by ending the program. Key data shared at the roundtable included:
🧾 Additional Background: The DACA Policy Legal Landscape The legal future of DACA remains uncertain—especially for Texas. As of now, the Texas v. United States DACA case is returning to Judge Hanen, following no petitions being filed to escalate the case to the U.S. Supreme Court by the May 19 deadline. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals instructed Judge Hanen to revise his prior ruling. Here's what that means:
🌱 Why This Matters to the Green Industry The Texas nursery and landscape industry already faces a growing labor shortage. DACA recipients have become essential contributors—whether on farms, in nurseries, or running their own businesses. At TNLA, we continue to push for practical, bipartisan workforce policies that reflect the current needs of our members and the economic realities of doing business in Texas. Have questions about DACA, TNLA’s workforce advocacy, or how this could impact your business? 📩 Reach out to Curtis Smith at [email protected] 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:
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:
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. 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! 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! 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. |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
August 2026
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