H.B. No. 4163 amends the Agriculture Code to clarify the limitations on governmental requirements that cities can impose on agricultural operations. Specifically, it prohibits cities from enacting regulations that would restrict the use of generally accepted agricultural practices, the growing or harvesting of vegetation for animal feed or wildlife management, and the use of pesticides necessary to prevent infestations. The bill also introduces new provisions that prevent cities from requiring agricultural operations to be designated for specific agricultural uses under the Texas Constitution and mandates that owners or lessees of agricultural operations are not required to maintain the right-of-way of adjacent public roads by mowing, baling, shredding, or hoeing.

The changes made by this bill apply to any governmental requirements adopted before, on, or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to protect agricultural operations from excessive local regulations that could hinder their practices and productivity.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Agriculture Code 251.0055 (Agriculture Code 251)
House Committee Report: Agriculture Code 251.0055 (Agriculture Code 251)
Engrossed: Agriculture Code 251.0055 (Agriculture Code 251)
Senate Committee Report: Agriculture Code 251.0055 (Agriculture Code 251)
Enrolled: Agriculture Code 251.0055 (Agriculture Code 251)