The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) plans to reintroduce legislation in 2025 aimed at establishing uniform building and safety standards for RV parks and campgrounds across the state.
This effort follows the previous session’s HB 1286, which proposed adopting the NFPA 1194 standards but failed to advance in the Senate after passing the House. Sen. Flores has already filed SB 395 for consideration in the upcoming session.
According to a press release, TACO Executive Director Brian Schaeffer emphasized the importance of collaborating with allies to ensure the legislation’s passage.
TACO’s priorities also include advocating for post-Labor Day school start dates and reducing commercial property taxes to benefit campground operators. Schaeffer was joined in the discussion by TACO President Randall Dally, legislative consultant Ron Hinkle, and Assistant Executive Director Michael Moore.
The association continues to address challenges such as “squatters’ rights” and other proposed regulations that may negatively impact RV park operations. Schaeffer highlighted the importance of vigilance despite recent legislative successes and the growing influence of Republicans in Texas politics.
Earlier legislative efforts also resulted in the passage of HB 1612 and SB 595. This change eliminated unfair billing practices and reduced the need for “phantom water reserves.” The legislation also provides variances for water system operators when actual usage is lower than standard equivalency values, preventing unjustified monthly fees.
Despite these gains, some cities have sought to offset revenue losses by imposing higher fees or requiring larger master meters for RV parks. TACO has countered such practices by notifying city officials of laws prohibiting these actions, Schaeffer said. These measures reflect the association’s ongoing commitment to protecting RV park operators from unnecessary financial burdens.
Other legislative victories include reducing campground liability through HB 2326, which exempts campgrounds from certain claims related to inherent camping risks. TACO also advises operators to post signage outlining the legal protections provided by the bill, with recommended wording available in its Legal Handbook.
Additionally, TACO successfully opposed HB 5136, which would have introduced an RV occupancy tax in Washington County. Testimony from TACO members and park operators helped prevent the bill from setting what Schaeffer called a “devastating precedent” for RV parks statewide.
Based in Crowley, TACO represents over 430 campground and RV park operators throughout Texas. In addition to advocacy, the association provides marketing support through its campground directory and digital platforms like TexasCampgrounds.com and TexasGlampingResorts.com.
