MEMBER ONLY NEWS

June 16, 2025

In Brief

Welcome to this week’s Members-Only Monday Morning Messenger from the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).

In our first story of the morning, the association reminds you of an upcoming federal compliance deadline and outlines the steps needed to complete the required registration.

Next, a key piece of legislation we've been tracking has officially crossed the finish line. You can learn more about this business relief measure in the second story.

Third, severe weather has impacted Texas for weeks. In this edition, TPGA provides weather-related safety resources you can share with your propane customers.

Also, the early bird deadline for discounted convention registration is approaching quickly. Don’t miss your chance to save—register before it’s too late.

In addition, the fishing tournament deadline has been extended, and only two spots remain. See the final story for details.

Finally, be sure to check out our Quick Links section for the Texas job board and TPGA store.

U.S. Hazmat Registration Due Before July 1, 2025

Each year, Propane retail & wholesale companies must register annually with the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) if they transport or offer shipments of hazardous materials that require placarding.

Registration Period

The 2025-2026 registration year is from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Fees (same as last year)

- Small businesses & non-profits: $250 + $25 processing fee

- All other businesses: $2,575 + $25 processing fee - Fees scheduled to increase next year

Small Business Criteria. Propane retailers with <100 employees and propane wholesalers with <200 employees qualify for the $250 fee.

Deadline. Submit the completed registration statement and payment before July 1, 2025, or before engaging in activities requiring registration.

Check Registration Status. To see if your registration is due, search at PHMSA Hazmat Registration Search https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/HazmatRegistrationSearch/

Penalties. Federal, state, or local officials may impose penalties for failing to register or meet recordkeeping requirements.

Help with Registration

- Call (202) 934-1630 for businesses A-M

- Call (202) 934-1631 for businesses N-Z

- Email: infocntr@dot.gov for prompt assistance.

Texas Businesses Celebrate Major Tax Relief as Governor Signs HB 9

Small business owners across Texas are applauding the signing of House Bill 9 (HB 9), also filed as House Joint Resolution 1, which delivers the largest increase to the business personal property tax exemption in state history.

Signed into law this week by Governor Greg Abbott, HB 9 raises the exemption from $2,500 to $125,000—a nearly 5,000% increase. The change is expected to save Texas businesses $400 million annually in property taxes on items such as equipment, furniture, tools, and inventory.

Governor Abbott designated the measure as an emergency item this session, emphasizing its importance to Texas’s small business economy. The bill now heads to voters in November for final approval, as it amends the Texas Constitution.

The move was championed by Rep. Morgan Meyer (R-Dallas) and Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), who authored the legislation with strong bipartisan support.

The historic tax relief represents a major win for small businesses, especially those operating on tight margins. With less red tape and lower tax burdens, many hope this measure will fuel growth and reinvestment across the state’s economy.

Download Propane Severe Weather Safety Materials for Customers

Over the past several weeks, Texas has been battered by a surge of extreme weather—including tornadoes, high winds, flash flooding, and hail—raising urgent concerns for propane users statewide.

In Central Texas, San Antonio logged its heaviest single-day rainfall in over a decade on June 12, triggering flash floods that led to multiple fatalities and high-water rescues. West Texas saw two confirmed tornadoes in Wharton County with winds reaching up to 100 mph, while Abilene experienced destructive storms that knocked out local infrastructure and toppled a broadcast tower. According to the Washington Post, this year alone, Texas has recorded more than 130 tornadoes and hundreds of reports of wind and hail damage, well above average.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) offers a suite of weather-related propane safety resources for consumers. Their online safety hub provides guidance on preparing for tornadoes, floods, and severe storms. It includes step-by-step tips on what to do before, during, and after these storms.

Given the unpredictable and often destructive weather across the state, PERC’s materials serve as a resource to help propane users stay safe and informed.

Explore, download and share these resources at propane.com/safety/propane-and-weather-safety.

2025 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference Moody Gardens | Galveston, TX

The 2025 Crossroads Propane Expo + Conference, hosted by the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA), is August 7-9, 2025, at Moody Gardens in Galveston! This must-attend event brings the entire Texas propane industry together under one roof.

Conference Location & Host Hotel:

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa

& Convention Center

1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554

Reservation Rates:

$219/night (single or double occupancy)

NO RESORT FEE | HOTEL WILL SELL OUT

Parking:

FREE Self-Parking | $25 Valet Garage Parking

Discover nearly 100 vendors showcasing the latest in propane innovation. From cutting-edge technology and regulatory training to 10 technical and technology workshops, the conference and expo deliver something for every corner of the industry.

Price goes up July 1, 2025. Register now to get the early bird discount.

Learn More & Register

Questions? Contact our Meetings Manager, Christie Shook at 1-800-325-7427 ext 6 or at cshook@txpropane.com.

Last Chance! 2 Spots Left Last Boat Extended Deadline Until Filled or by June 30

The TPGA has 11 boats competing in the tournament, and the last boats have spots for two individuals. If you wanted to participate in the fishing tournament now is your chance!

Friday, August 8, 2025 Guide: Quality Fishing Guides, LG Boyd

"Top Galveston Fishing Guide"

Pick-up Location: Moody Gardens Dock

Arrival: 6:00 AM Departure: 6:30 AM

Cost

· $675 per boat (3 people per boat)

· $225 per person

What’s Included:

• Quality rods & reels

• Artificial baits & lures

• Reimbursement for live bait

• Fish processing after your trip

REQUIRED: TX fishing license with saltwater stamp

Click here to find a retailer to secure a fishing license in person or online

The extended registration deadline is June 30, 2025 or until 2 spots filled whichever comes first.

SPONSORSHIP Get your name on our fishing t-shirt! Sponsor Now! Still looking for a sponsor for the fishing tournament.

Already registered for Crossroads? Contact Christie Shook at 800-325-7427 ext 6 or email cshook@txpropane.com and she can add fishing to your registration.