The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) continues to advance legislative priorities important to the state’s campground and outdoor hospitality industry, including liability protections and commercial property tax relief, according to a press release.
TACO recently met with Angie Flores, chief of staff to State Representative Todd Hunter, to discuss issues affecting campground owners and the broader Texas tourism industry.
A key topic of the meeting was the successful passage of House Bill 2636 during the 88th Regular Session in 2023. The legislation established limited liability protections for recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds for certain injuries arising from campground activities, while maintaining liability for circumstances including negligence, known dangerous conditions, improper employee training and intentional conduct.
“HB 2636 was an important accomplishment for Texas campground owners and demonstrated the value of bringing the outdoor hospitality industry together to address issues that affect the long-term viability of our businesses,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s CEO & executive director.
That legislative framework was subsequently extended to additional segments of Texas’ tourism and recreation economy during the 89th Regular Session in 2025. Senate Bill 1119 established similar limited liability provisions for water parks, while House Bill 1130 established protections for cavern entities engaged in recreational or educational cavern activities. Both measures include provisions addressing negligence, dangerous conditions, employee training and intentional conduct.
Building on that legislative progress, the Texas Travel Alliance, with support from TACO, is working to expand similar liability protections to additional tourism attractions, including amusement parks, aquariums and zoos.
The discussion also included commercial property tax relief for campgrounds. TACO and Rep. Hunter’s office agreed that additional discussions following the upcoming elections and after the pre-filing of legislation will provide a clearer picture of the various property tax proposals being introduced. TACO had previously had meetings with the Governor’s Office to discuss property tax relief for campgrounds.
“We believe it is important to see the full range of property tax legislation that is filed before determining the best path forward,” Schaeffer said. “Meeting after the elections and once bills have been pre-filed will allow us to better understand the proposals and identify opportunities that could provide meaningful relief for campground owners.”
TACO will continue working with legislators, the Texas Travel Alliance and other industry partners to advocate for policies that recognize the economic contributions of campgrounds and the broader tourism industry while supporting the continued growth of Texas as a destination for outdoor recreation and travel, the release highlighted.
Representative Todd Hunter currently represents House District 32 and served as Chairman of the Calendars Committee during the 89th Legislature.
