Senate committee reviews House Bill 2018 to protect Texas agricultural land

The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss key legislative measures aimed at preserving Texas agricultural lands. The primary focus of the meeting was House Bill 2018, introduced by Senate sponsor Adam Hinoza, which serves as a companion bill to Senate Bill 2970.

House Bill 2018 seeks to enhance the Texas Farm and Ranch Land Conservation Program by allowing landowners to voluntarily protect their agricultural land through conservation easements. These legally binding agreements limit development to maintain the agricultural value of the land. Hinoza emphasized that the bill clarifies the program's intent to benefit only working agricultural lands, addressing concerns raised during a previous interim hearing.

Public testimony featured support from representatives of agricultural associations. Carl Ray Polk, representing the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, highlighted the critical need for conservation easements to combat land fragmentation and preserve agricultural growth. He noted the significant loss of agricultural land in Texas, with nearly 3.7 million acres lost since 1997, and stressed the importance of prioritizing landowners whose primary income is derived from agriculture.

Charlie Leal, the legislative director for the Texas Farm Bureau, echoed these sentiments, stating that Texas loses approximately 1,000 acres of agricultural land daily due to encroaching development. He expressed gratitude for the bill's focus on conserving actual farms and ranches, providing landowners with viable options to maintain agricultural production.

Following the public testimony, the committee closed the floor for further comments and prepared to vote on House Bill 2018. The discussions underscored the urgency of legislative action to protect Texas's agricultural heritage amid growing development pressures. The committee's next steps will determine the future of this vital conservation initiative.