New Texas Agriculture Laws Part II

HB 2960 (Rep. Hayes) - Relating to choice of law and venue for certain construction contracts.

HB 2960 amends the Business & Commerce Code so that if a construction contract for real property in Texas (or a related agreement) tries to force the parties to follow another state’s law, go to court in another state, or arbitrate in another state, that part of the contract is no longer just something you might be able to cancel - it’s automatically invalid because it goes against Texas public policy.

In other words, you can’t be forced to handle disputes outside of Texas for Texas construction projects. If a lawsuit comes up, it must be filed in the Texas county where the property is located - unless both sides agree on a different location after the dispute arises. 

This bill is to help Texas contractors and other small businesses "that lack the resources to purse or defend claims in different jurisdictions." 

HB 2960 only applies to contracts entered into a renewed on or after the bill's effective date: September 1, 2025.

Link to HB 2960

HB 4163 (Reps. Guillen & Cain) (Sen. Perry) - Relating to the authority of a city to impose certain governmental requirements on an agricultural operation.

HB 4163 amends to Texas Right to Farm Act to include a provision that prohibits the city from requiring "the owner or lessee of an agricultural operation to mow, bale, shred, or hoe material on the right-of-way of a public road that is adjacent to the agricultural operation."

HB 4163 went into effect on September 1, 2025.

Link to HB 4163

SB 17 (Sen. Kolkhorst) (Rep. Hefner) - Relating to the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property by certain aliens or foreign entities; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.

SB 17 prohibits individuals, governments, and entities from "designated countries" - from the U.S. Director of National Intelligence’s latest threat assessments (currently China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia) - from purchasing, leasing (one year or longer), or acquiring any interest in real property in Texas, including agricultural land, water rights, timber, minerals, and more.

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and entities owned or controlled by them are exempt. Violations can lead to state jail felony charges, hefty civil penalties (at least $250,000 or 50% of the property’s value), and court-ordered divestiture with a receiver appointed to manage sale proceeds.

SB 17 went into effect on September 1, 2025.

Link to SB 17 

HB 3479 (Reps. Morgan, McLaughlin, Hayes, Cain) - Relating to the Rio Grande vegetative management program. 

HB 3479 creates the Rio-Grande Vegetative Management Program to "manage Carrizo cane and other noxious vegetation that impedes border security."

HB 3479 went into effect on June 20, 2025. 

Link to HB 3479

SB 823 (Sen. Middleton) - Relating to labeling and representation of imported shrimp; authorizing an administrative penalty.

SB 823 "requires that all shrimp imported from outside Texas carry a clear, conspicuous label disclosing their out-of-state origin. This measure aims to strengthen consumer awareness, support local shrimping industries, and promote fair competition in Texas seafood markets." 

SB 823 went into effect on September 1, 2025. 

Link to SB 823