WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1277

An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in plants and plant products, providing for plant and pollinator protection; conferring powers and duties on the Department of Agriculture and Secretary of Agriculture; establishing the Plant and Pollinator Protection Committee and the Plant and Pollinator Protection Account; repealing provisions relating to bees; imposing penalties; and making repeals.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Brennan and 18 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania consolidates pollinator and plant protection under new Department of Agriculture committee and account with expanded regulatory authority over agricultural practices.

Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1277

Legislative bill overview

HB 1277 overhauls Pennsylvania's approach to plant and pollinator protection by creating a new regulatory framework under the Department of Agriculture. The bill establishes a dedicated Plant and Pollinator Protection Committee and Account, consolidates existing bee-related regulations, and grants the Secretary of Agriculture expanded powers to protect pollinators and plants from threats.

Why is this important

Pollinators like bees are critical to agricultural productivity and food security, with studies showing pollinator decline threatens crop yields. Pennsylvania's agriculture industry—valued at over $7 billion annually—depends heavily on healthy pollinator populations. This legislation signals a shift toward more coordinated, systematic oversight of pollinator health rather than fragmented regulation.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope and cost: Expanded Department of Agriculture authority could increase compliance burdens on farmers and businesses, with unclear details on what new rules the Committee might impose
  • Committee composition and accountability: The bill doesn't specify who sits on the Plant and Pollinator Protection Committee, raising questions about whether farmers, industry, and environmental groups will have proportional representation
  • Funding mechanism: Creation of a dedicated account suggests new fees or budget allocations; specifics on revenue sources and spending authority may face fiscal scrutiny

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

Sign in to ask a question.