Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5200, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to add spotted lanternfly control as a designated "high-priority" area for research and extension grants. This would allow federal research and extension funding to be used specifically for developing and sharing tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect species. The bill also extends the authorization period for the broader high-priority research and extension initiatives program, changing the expiration reference from 2023 to 2028.
The bill would primarily affect agricultural researchers, land-grant universities, extension services, and farmers or landowners dealing with spotted lanternfly infestations, particularly in states like Pennsylvania where the pest has caused significant agricultural damage. By formally designating this as a high-priority research area, the bill would make it easier for eligible institutions to compete for and receive federal grant funding aimed at studying and controlling the pest.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, along with cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. As an introduced bill, it would need to be considered and approved by that committee, then pass both the Senate and House, before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act
This bill includes combatting the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area and reauthorizes other USDA research and extension initiatives.
The bill specifically allows grants for developing and disseminating research-based tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive species native to Asia that feeds on a wide range of crops and plants (e.g., grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and hardwood trees).
Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028
• the Pulse Crop Health Initiative;
• the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network;
• pollinator protection research and extension grants;
• increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and
Common questions
- What does S. 5200 do?
- S. 5200, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to add spotted lanternfly control as a designated "high-priority" area for research and extension grants. This would allow federal research and extension funding to be used specifically for developing and sharing tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect species. The bill also extends the authorization period for the broader high-priority research and extension initiatives program, changing the expiration reference from 2023 to 2028. The bill would primarily affect agricultural researchers, land-grant universities, extension services, and farmers or landowners dealing with spotted lanternfly infestations, particularly in states like Pennsylvania where the pest has caused significant agricultural damage. By formally designating this as a high-priority research area, the bill would make it easier for eligible institutions to compete for and receive federal grant funding aimed at studying and controlling the pest. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, along with cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. As an introduced bill, it would need to be considered and approved by that committee, then pass both the Senate and House, before it could become law.
- Has S. 5200 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, S. 5200 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5200?
- S. 5200 was sponsored by Sen. John Fetterman [D-PA] (Democrat-PA), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5200?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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