The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) met with legislators at the State Capitol this week to advocate for legislation establishing uniform building and safety standards for private RV parks across the state.
The association is pushing for the adoption of NFPA 1194 as the statewide construction standard and addressing other industry priorities.
“We do what we say we’re going to do,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO, referencing the association’s commitment to reintroducing legislation after a prior effort passed the House but failed to receive a Senate hearing.
This week, TACO representatives, including lobbyist Ron Hinkle, president Randall Dally of Rayburn RV Hideout, director Cheryl McLaughlin of Hatch RV Park, and member Salome Welliver of Oleander Acres RV Resort, spent a full day in discussions with lawmakers.
The delegation urged representatives to support House Bill 2701, introduced by Rep. Ryan Guillen, which would establish NFPA 1194 as the statewide standard for RV park construction. They also lobbied Senators to back Senate Bill 385, a companion measure sponsored by Sen. Pete Flores.
In addition to construction standards, TACO is advocating for legislation to distinguish tiny homes from park-model RVs. Currently, tiny homes are classified as residences under the International Residential Code (IRC), while park model RVs are built to ANSI A119.5 standards and designated as recreational vehicles.
“We need this legislation to help differentiate park models from all forms of manufactured housing, including tiny homes,” Schaeffer said.
TACO representatives also raised concerns about the appraisal methods used for RV parks. The association is urging legislators to adopt valuation approaches that better reflect the operational realities of RV park businesses.
Beyond park-specific issues, TACO joined the Texas Travel Alliance to promote other legislative priorities supporting the broader travel and tourism industry. Discussions included support for delaying school start dates and securing funding to market Texas as a travel destination.
The meetings mark a continued effort by TACO to secure policies that support the growth and development of private campgrounds and RV parks in Texas. With more than 430 members, the association serves as a key advocate for the industry in legislative matters.
