SSB 1051: Relating to pesticides, by providing for tort liability

What it does

This bill provides for a defense from civil liability associated with the use of pesticides that are registered with the United States environmental protection agency (EPA) acting under the federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (federal Act). The bill specifies that a label provides sufficient warning if it complies with any one of three criteria: (1) it was approved by the EPA, (2) it is consistent with the most recent human health assessment performed under the federal Act, or (3) it is consistent with the EPA’s carcinogenicity classification for the pesticide.

Senate subcommittee · named January 30, 2025

• Sen. Mike Bousselot (R) · mike.bousselot@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Tony Bisignano (D) · tony.bisignano@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Tom Shipley (R) · tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 16 for, 20 against

For: American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA); Americans For Prosperity; Bayer U.S. LLC; Corteva Agriscience; Growmark, Inc.; Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC; Iowa Biotechnology Association; Iowa Chamber Alliance; Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship; Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Iowa Institute for Cooperatives; Iowa Soybean Association; and 4 more

Against: AFSCME Council 61; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN); Bitches Get Stuff Done; Center for Rural Affairs; Climate Land Leaders; Dubuque Area Land and Water Legacy; Environmental Law and Policy Center; Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Food & Water Watch; Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Environmental Council; and 8 more

In plain words

1. January 28, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. January 30, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Bousselot, Bisignano and Shipley
3. February 5, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 19, 2025Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 394