AUSTIN (Jan. 28, 2025) –The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Texas’ leading small business advocacy organization, issued its 2025 Top Legislative Priorities for the Texas Legislature this session.

“The Legislature has an opportunity to deliver pro-small business reforms and support our state’s economy,” NFIB State Director Jeff Burdett said. “In particular, our Main Street employers want lawmakers to pass meaningful inventory tax relief, reduce regulatory red tape, promote a balanced civil justice system, and oppose any proposals that would increase the cost of doing business.”

Cut The Inventory Tax

The inventory tax applies to anything used to produce income, including inventory, furniture, machinery, supplies, and more – regardless of whether a business nets a profit. NFIB supports increasing the inventory tax exemption or completely repealing this regressive tax.

Roll Back Burdensome Regulations

During the 88th Legislative Session, NFIB was proud to spearhead the bipartisan Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, which clarifies that business and labor standards are maintained under state and federal law, while more narrowly focused law on health, safety, and permitting of businesses will still fall under local authority. As co-chair of Gov. Greg Abbott’s Small Business Freedom Council, NFIB will continue to identify opportunities to lessen the regulatory and administrative burdens of small businesses.

Reel in High Health Care Costs

The cost of health insurance has been our members’ top concern for nearly four decades. Health benefit mandates increase costs for businesses and employers and contribute to the growing number of uninsured Texans. NFIB supports legislation relating to insurance mandate cost transparency.

Promote a Balanced Civil Justice System

Texas’ judicial environment has shifted away from compensating those who are truly injured and toward targeting job creators with frivolous lawsuits and inflated settlements in personal injury cases. As a founding member of the Lone Star Economic Alliance (LSEA), NFIB will support reforms that restore fairness and transparency to the legal system and return stability to the insurance market.

Develop a Strong Workforce

Finding qualified applicants remains a serious challenge for small business owners. NFIB will continue to work with lawmakers to make sure skills training in schools is a priority and that our Texas workforce is robust for generations to come.

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