LEGISLATIVE
TFFA Priorities for the 89th Legislative Session
The 89th Texas Legislative Session starts on January 14th, 2025. During each legislative session, TFFA tracks policy changes on behalf of the association's membership, working with state leaders to ensure a stable legislative and regulatory environment for our industry.
Hidden Credit Card Fees
TFFA has partnered with Texans Against Hidden Credit Card Fees, a coalition of businesses and consumers working to promote greater competition and transparency in Texas’ credit card market.
Hidden credit card processing fees cost Texas consumers and main street businesses over $10 billion annually. The average American family pays an estimated $1,100 and $1,700 each year due to these hidden costs, yet they do not see credit or debit card processing fees on their receipts or card statements. Main street businesses, such as gas stations, bear the burden of these fees directly, with a single bill often containing over 100 different charges determined by factors outside of the merchant's control. Due to a lack of competition, transparency, and oversight, U.S. credit card processing fees are the highest in the industrialized world and continue to rise. For more information, visit TEXANS AGAINST HIDDEN CREDIT CARD FEES.
RTD Cocktails
Texas is a leader in market freedom, yet outdated laws prevent consumers from purchasing spirits-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails in convenience and grocery stores. Currently, Texas law restricts the sale of spirits-based RTD cocktails to liquor stores, even though these products have the same or lower alcohol content than beer, wine, and other seltzers already sold at c-stores and grocery stores. Allowing the sale of spirits-based RTD cocktails would open new revenue opportunities for businesses while offering consumers more choice and convenience.
Lawsuit Reform
As a founding member of the Lonestar Economic Alliance (LSEA), TFFA is committed to combating unfair litigation practices that undermine the businesses driving our economy. Texas juries deserve clarity from plaintiffs' attorneys, not deceptive tactics or misleading information. For this reason, we are advocating for legislation that ensures juries have access to the facts necessary to make fair, informed decisions in personal injury cases. This includes focusing on relevant evidence, ensuring transparency in medical billing, and basing injury-related compensation solely on the plaintiff’s actual injuries. To learn more or join LSEA, visit www.lonestareconomicalliance.com
If you have any questions or feedback, contact Desiree Castro, Director of Government Relations | dcastro@tffa.com.