WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1158

An Act amending the act of March 1, 1974 (P.L.90, No.24), known as the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act of 1973, providing for prohibited pesticides.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Maria Collett and 13 co-sponsors

Prohibits using paraquat as a pesticide in Pennsylvania, with a one-year transition and regulatory supremacy to enforce the ban.

Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1158

Overview

Senate Bill 1158 (2025-2026) from Pennsylvania would amend the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act of 1973/1974 to prohibit the use of paraquat as a pesticide within the Commonwealth. The bill adds a new section (Section 27.1) establishing a clear prohibition, defines paraquat and related terms, and clarifies that regulations inconsistent with the act are superseded. The measure would take effect one year after enactment.

Main purpose and intent

  • Prohibit the use of paraquat as a pesticide in Pennsylvania.
  • Provide precise definitions to ensure consistent interpretation and enforcement.
  • Align regulatory framework with a specific prohibition, potentially addressing health, safety, and environmental concerns associated with paraquat.

Key provisions and changes

  • New prohibition: It shall be unlawful to use, or cause the use of, paraquat as a pesticide in Pennsylvania.
  • Definitions (Section 27.1(a)–(b)):
    • “CAS number” defined as the unique Chemical Abstracts Service number for a substance, effective date the section.
    • “Paraquat” defined as the chemical with CAS number 4685-14-7 and any salt of that chemical, including:
    • Methyl viologen (CAS 1910-42-5)
    • Paraquat bismethylsulfate (CAS 2074-50-2)
  • Regulatory supremacy: Any regulations inconsistent with the act are abrogated to the extent of inconsistency (Section 2), ensuring the prohibition is controlling.
  • Effective date: The act provides that it shall take effect one year after enactment (Section 3), allowing time for compliance, enforcement planning, and potential transitional arrangements.

Who/what would be affected

  • Pesticide users in Pennsylvania, including agricultural producers, commercial applicators, and other individuals or entities that might use paraquat as part of pest management.
  • Pesticide manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who handle paraquat would face prohibition on use within the state, with potential implications for sales within Pennsylvania after the effective date.
  • Regulatory and enforcement agencies responsible for pesticide control would need to monitor and enforce the prohibition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and sponsorship: Introduced February 24, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to the Senate committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
  • Effective date: One year from enactment (date to be determined by enactment year), providing a transition period for compliance and enforcement preparation.
  • Regulatory framework: Abrogates any conflicting regulations to maintain the prohibition.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Public health and environmental protection rationale often cited in paraquat bans (paraquat is linked to toxic outcomes in some studies); this bill codifies a statewide prohibition.
  • Stakeholders may seek guidance on compliant pest management alternatives and any existing stock or contractual obligations prior to the effective date.
  • The bill would not create new licensing or penalties beyond enforcing the prohibition itself, but it could influence related regulatory actions and substitution policies.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to how paraquat restrictions are handled in other states or provide a redline-style section-by-section note mapping the changes to the current Pesticide Control Act.

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

Sign in to ask a question.