---
title: Key Legislative Proposals That Could Impact the Texas Green Industry
description: Stay informed on Texas bills impacting the nursery and landscape industry. See key legislation TNLA is tracking and share your input to shape advocacy!
---

[Working For You](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org)

# [Key Legislative Proposals That Could Impact the Texas Green Industry](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/key-legislative-proposals-that-could-impact-the-texas-green-industry)

 Written by [Curtis Smith, TNLA Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/author/curtis-smith-tnla-director-of-legislative-regulatory-affairs) | Feb 27, 2025 4:44:51 AM

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)

[View full post](https://workingforyou.tnlaonline.org/key-legislative-proposals-that-could-impact-the-texas-green-industry)

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