The 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.
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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

No regulated articles may move from or within quarantined areas except under the following conditions:

1. Certification:
   Must be accompanied by a Certificate of Inspection issued by TDA or an authorized official confirming the articles are pest-free based on inspection or treatment. Certificates must include origin, destination, commodity, and pest-free declaration.
2. Treatment:
   Articles must be treated using TDA- or USDA-approved methods, such as:
   • Insecticidal dip or spray using EPA-registered products effective against leafhoppers (e.g., neonicotinoids like imidacloprid at labeled rates, applied to runoff).
   • Fumigation if approved for the commodity.
3. Pest-Free Certification:
   For propagation materials, a Pest-Free Area Certificate or Systems Approach Certification verifying production in a pest-free zone under USDA/APHIS guidelines.
4. Emergency Exemptions:
   Shipments for scientific, research, or immediate processing purposes may be allowed with prior TDA and/or USDA approval under containment protocols.

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➡️ 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.

While the quarantine focuses on movement control, TDA and Texas A&M AgriLife recommend the following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in infested areas:

• Scout: Inspect the undersides of leaves on the 3rd–5th nodes from the top; treat when 1–2 nymphs per leaf show visible injury.
• Treat: Use labeled insecticides (e.g., acephate, bifenthrin) and rotate chemical classes to prevent resistance. Avoid broad-spectrum applications that harm beneficial insects.
• Cultural Control: Maintain irrigation to reduce plant stress, destroy crop residues after harvest, and monitor or remove nearby weed hosts.

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:

• Inspect incoming plant shipments carefully,
• Maintain documentation for all plant movements, and
• Report any suspected pest activity to TDA Plant Quality at (512) 463-7660.

TNLA will continue to monitor this developing issue and share timely updates as new guidance or quarantine adjustments are announced.
👉 Learn more and view TDA’s current quarantine notice.

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:

• Growers
• Landscapers
• Government agencies
• Even home gardeners

when a harmful pest or plant disease is detected in Texas. This opt-in system means faster action, less damage, and stronger protection for crops, landscapes, and native plants.

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.
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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:

• Public-private partnerships
• Science-backed decision-making
• And protecting the future of Texas’ green economy

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:

• Could undermine public health and water quality
• Weaken credibility of Texas licensing systems used by irrigators, landscape architects, and more

TNLA acted early, working with lawmakers and partners to highlight long-term consequences. By defeating this bill, we helped preserve the integrity of Texas licensure standards and the trust communities place in our professionals.


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:

• Faster response times
• Reduced damage
• Stronger protection for Texas horticulture, landscapes, and ecosystems

This system will boost industry resilience and protect the health of our green infrastructure.
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:

• Seasonal business needs
• Local economies
• A reliable, returning workforce

We also raised concerns about the H-2A program and broader labor challenges. These conversations highlighted the need for permanent H-2B cap relief to protect workforce stability across the green industry.


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:

• Poor diet (especially ultra-processed foods)
• Chemical and environmental exposure
• Sedentary, screen-heavy lifestyles
• Overuse of pharmaceuticals

It calls for major reforms in food systems, public health research, and environmental regulations.

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