HB 1592

AN ACT relating to an alert system for dangerous plant and wildlife pests

House Bill • Plesa | Ashby | González, Mary

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

In Committee

Hearing Scheduled

Passed Committee

Floor Calendar

Passed Chamber

Sent to Other Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Sent to Governor

Signed into Law

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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What This Bill Does

Establishes a statewide Internet-based alert system through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to notify the public about dangerous plant and wildlife pests, diseases, and quarantines. The system will send email notifications within 72 hours of confirmed pest cases, quarantine orders, or compliance agreements, and will allow voluntary enrollment by interested parties. This alert system aims to help farmers, landowners, and the public quickly stay informed about potential agricultural and environmental threats across Texas.

Subject Areas

Health--Other Diseases & Medical Conditions ALERT SYSTEM AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT Agriculture ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION, TEXAS TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE Animals

Bill Text

relating to an alert system for dangerous plant and wildlife pests
and diseases administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter K, Chapter 88, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 88.823 to read as follows:
Sec. 88.823.  PEST, DISEASE, AND QUARANTINE ALERT SYSTEM.
(a)  With the cooperation of the Department of Agriculture, the
Texas Animal Health Commission, and the Parks and Wildlife
Department, the extension service shall develop and implement a
statewide Internet-based alert system for notifications related to
wildlife and plant pests, diseases, and quarantines.  The alert
system must issue notifications for:
(1)  a confirmed case of a dangerous plant or wildlife
(2)  the establishment, modification, or removal of a
pest or disease quarantine order; and
(3)  any compliance agreements entered into with the
Department of Agriculture related to a pest or disease quarantine.
(b)  The alert system established under this section must:
(1)  issue notifications through e-mail; and
(2)  provide for enrollment in the alert system for
delivery of a system notification.
(c)  The extension service shall enter into a memorandum of
understanding with the Department of Agriculture, the Texas Animal
Health Commission, and the Parks and Wildlife Department to ensure
the extension service is able to issue a required notification
under Subsection (a) within 72 hours of an applicable action by
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.