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HB 424

Agriculture; clarify that a manufacturer cannot be held liable for failing to warn consumers of health risks above those required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by James Burchett and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 424 limits pesticide manufacturers' liability for health warnings, helping Georgia farmers access essential products while supporting the state's $91 billion agriculture sector.

House Withdrawn, Recommitted
#agriculture
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Bill Summary · HB 424

Summary of House Bill 424 (HB 424)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 424 aims to clarify the legal liability of manufacturers regarding the labeling and warning requirements for pesticides. Specifically, the bill stipulates that manufacturers cannot be held liable for failing to warn consumers about health risks that exceed those mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill is designed to support Georgia's agricultural sector by ensuring that farmers have access to necessary crop protection products without the fear of excessive liability.

Key Provisions

  • Liability Clarification: The bill amends Article 6 of Chapter 7 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. It establishes that any pesticide registered with the Georgia Commissioner or the EPA, which carries an EPA-approved label, will be considered to have met the warning requirements under state law.

  • Effective Date: The provisions of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2026.

  • Legislative Findings: The bill includes findings that emphasize the importance of agriculture to Georgia's economy, noting that:

    • Agriculture contributes over $91 billion to the state's economy.
    • Georgia is the largest producer of peanuts and the second largest producer of cotton in the U.S.
    • Access to crop protection products is critical for maintaining agricultural productivity and preventing cost increases for farmers.

  • Supply Chain Concerns: The bill addresses vulnerabilities in the supply chain for crop protection products, particularly the reliance on imports from China, and emphasizes the need for a robust domestic production system.

Affected Parties

  • Manufacturers: The bill primarily affects manufacturers of pesticides by limiting their liability concerning health warnings.

  • Farmers: Georgia farmers will benefit from reduced liability risks associated with pesticide use, ensuring they can access necessary agricultural inputs without prohibitive costs.

  • Consumers: While the bill aims to protect manufacturers, it may raise concerns among consumers regarding the adequacy of health warnings on pesticide products.

Legislative Actions

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • House First Readers: February 13, 2025
  • House Second Readers: February 18, 2025
  • House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute: February 19, 2025
  • House Withdrawn, Recommitted: April 4, 2025

Conclusion

HB 424 seeks to bolster Georgia's agricultural industry by clarifying the liability of pesticide manufacturers and ensuring that farmers have access to essential crop protection products. The bill reflects a legislative effort to strengthen domestic agricultural practices while addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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