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Key Legislative Proposals That Could Impact the Texas Green Industry

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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

  • This bill would exempt agricultural inputs from the inventory tax, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other resources essential for plant production.
  • A major win for growers and producers, helping lower costs and support agricultural businesses.

Right to Farm Protections

HB 1964 by Spiller & SB 1035 by Sparks

  • Provides attorney fee provisions under the Right to Farm statute, ensuring that farmers and ranchers can recover legal costs when forced to challenge city regulations that threaten their livelihood.
  • Strengthens legal protections for agricultural producers facing unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Landscaping & Water Conservation

HB 1424 by Rep. Goodwin

  • Allows municipal water utilities to implement tiered pricing structures to encourage conservation, with excessive users paying higher rates.
  • This could impact large-scale landscaping and irrigation costs.

HB 1245 by Rep. Goodwin

  • Would require utilities to prohibit irrigation of commercial nonfunctional turf during drought conditions and enforce penalties for violations.
  • Introduces new definitions for “functional” and “nonfunctional turf,” which could have broad implications for commercial and residential landscapes.

HB 2269 by Rep. Isaac

  • Prohibits homeowners’ associations (HOAs) from requiring homeowners to install or maintain grass or turf landscaping.

SB 542 by Sen. Schwertner (Companion Bills: Rep. Harris-Davilla & Rep. Goodwin)

  • Prohibits HOAs from fining homeowners if their lawns become brown or discolored due to local utility restrictions.
  • Protects homeowners from unfair penalties while supporting water conservation efforts.

E-Verify Mandates for Government Contracts

HB 323 (Spiller), HB 1019 (Shaheen), HB 1308 (Tepper), HB 1488 (Louderback), HB 2744 (Vasut), SB 324 (Kolkhorst)

  • Multiple bills have been filed requiring all governmental entities in Texas to use E-Verify for their employees and those they contract with.

Compost Use in TxDOT Projects

SB 736 by Sen. Menéndez

  • Requires TxDOT to use at least 25% compost in its projects, standardizing a practice that some districts already follow.
  • This could increase demand for compost production and recycling within the industry.

Environmental Regulations

HB 1637 by Rep. Hull

  • Prohibits the use of herbicides containing glyphosate on the grounds of public or private schools, with an exception for crops grown as part of a curriculum.
  • Could impact how landscapers and groundskeepers manage vegetation on school properties.

HB 3054 by Rep. Briscoe Cain

  • Prohibits governmental entities, including state agencies, counties, and cities and more, from planting trees that are not native to any part of Texas.
  • Texas A&M AgriLife would be responsible for creating a list of trees considered native to the state.
  • This could significantly impact municipal landscaping projects and tree selection in public spaces.

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 Curtis@tnlaonline.org to discuss how these legislative efforts might affect your business.

Let’s work together to protect and strengthen the Texas Green Industry!

Curtis Smith
Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA)

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