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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
Practical GuideThe Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has issued an emergency quarantine to prevent the spread of the invasive Cotton Jassid or Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper, a destructive pest first detected on imported hibiscus plants. The quarantine currently applies to all Hibiscus species, but may expand to include additional host plants as more data becomes available. The quarantine currently covers shipments from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina, where the pest has been detected. It also applies to Texas counties where detections have occurred, halting the movement of hostable plants without required phytosanitary documentation Current Quarantined Texas Counties
Conditions for MovementNo regulated articles may move from or within quarantined areas except under the following conditions:
➡️ Violations are subject to penalties under the Texas Agriculture Code, including fines up to $4,000 per violation, seizure or destruction of articles at the owner’s expense, and potential criminal charges. Management Recommendations (Non-Regulatory) While the quarantine focuses on movement control, TDA and Texas A&M AgriLife recommend the following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in infested areas:
TNLA Member Update TNLA is in close communication with TDA’s Plant Quality Division and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomologists to ensure the industry has up-to-date guidance and clear compliance information.
Members are encouraged to:
👉 Learn more and view TDA’s current quarantine notice.
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Couldn’t make it to the Innovation Summit this year? Good news — the recordings are now available, and you can still earn CEUs while learning how technology is reshaping the green industry. These sessions were designed to give you real takeaways you can bring back to your business today. Here’s a look at what you’ll find: Innovation in Sales & Promotions – What the Green Industry Needs NextThe message from participants was clear: businesses want better visibility into the technology market.
Customer Service Gets Smarter with Technology Speaker Eldar Causevic of Denali Green/Aspire Software shared how tech is changing customer service.
Services of the Future – Robotics, Lighting & Automation This session highlighted some of the most exciting advancements:
Bottom line: Companies that embrace automation and smart services now will set the standard for tomorrow. Driving Efficiencies – Smarter Tools for a Smarter Future Efficiency is the key to profitability, and participants explored new tools making a difference:
Key takeaway: The businesses that lean into multi-functional tech will see stronger ROI and be better prepared for workforce challenges. Watch On-Demand & Earn CEUs These recordings aren’t just inspiring — they’re practical. Each one offers actionable strategies and counts toward CEUs.
 We’re excited to share great news--HB 1592 is now law in Texas, creating a statewide pest and plant disease alert system through Texas A&M AgriLife.
This important legislation was authored by Rep. Mihaela Plesa, sponsored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, and backed by strong bipartisan support. It moved smoothly through the Capitol and was allowed to become law by Governor Greg Abbott. What Does HB 1592 Do? The new law creates a real-time, email-based alert system to notify:
Why It Matters ✔️ Faster response times to outbreaks ✔️ Less damage to plants and landscapes ✔️ More protection for Texas ecosystems and the green industry ✔️ Better preparedness for changing weather and pest patterns From nurseries and retail centers to city parks and farms, this new tool gives Texans a better way to protect the plants we depend on. TNLA Member Voices Made the Difference We’re proud that Bill Carson of Native Texas Nursery testified in support of the bill. His voice—and the support of TNLA members across the state—helped lawmakers understand the real-world need for this kind of early warning system. Looking Ahead When HB 1592 reached the Governor’s desk on May 25, we celebrated. Now that it’s law, we celebrate again—knowing that Texas is better prepared to fight invasive species and plant health threats. This is more than just a policy win. It’s a step forward for:
The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front.
Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam. While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:
Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor. The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state. Benefits include:
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee. TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans. They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:
Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:
Why it matters for TNLA: The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha |
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October 2026
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