An act relating to application of neonicotinoid pesticides to nursery starts and herbaceous plants

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John O'Brien

The bill limits neonicotinoid use on nursery starts and herbaceous plants to reduce pollinator exposure and requires guidelines, labeling, and compliance for retailers and applicat

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry

Summary of H.372 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

The bill addresses the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides when applied to nursery starts and herbaceous plants.

Its overarching aim is to reduce exposure of pollinators and non-target organisms to neonicotinoids by restricting or clarifying how these pesticides can be used on certain ornamental plant starts and herbaceous species.

Key provisions and changes

Scope: Applies to the application of neonicotinoid pesticides to nursery starts and herbaceous plants. This typically includes plants sold or offered for sale in nurseries and garden centers that are propagated or grown as starts (young plants) and various herbaceous species.

Use restrictions or guidelines: While the exact language is not provided here, the bill likely establishes:

Conditions under which neonicotinoid products may be used on nursery starts and herbaceous plants.
Prohibitions or restricted practices (e.g., prohibiting systemic neonicotinoid treatments for certain plant categories or requiring targeted applications rather than blanket uses).
Requirements for labeling, alternatives, or best management practices to minimize environmental impact.

Compliance framework: The bill would create or reference mechanisms for compliance, including enforcement provisions, penalties or citations for violations, and potential reporting or recordkeeping requirements for retailers, growers, or applicators.

Education and outreach: There may be provisions to educate stakeholders (growers, retailers, and potentially the public) about neonicotinoid risks and integrated pest management alternatives.

Who would be affected

Nursery and greenhouse operators who grow or sell nursery starts and herbaceous plants.

Retailers and garden centers that offer these plants for sale.

Pest management professionals and applicators who perform treatments on these plant categories.

Potentially consumers who purchase nursery starts and herbaceous plants, depending on labeling and information requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was read in the House and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry on February 26, 2025.

Status: As of the available information, the bill has progressed to committee consideration; specific amendments, votes, or passage dates are not provided here.

Sponsor: Co-sponsor John O’Brien (indicating bipartisan or collaborative sponsorship, depending on committee action).

Potential impacts and considerations

Environmental and pollinator protection: By regulating neonicotinoid use on common ornamental plant categories, the bill could reduce environmental loading of these pesticides into ecosystems.

Economic considerations: Growers may incur costs related to changing practices, adopting alternative pest management strategies, or complying with labeling and reporting requirements. Retailers may need education and updated signage or product information.

Practical implementation: Depending on the final text, implementation could rely on clear definitions of “nursery starts,” “herbaceous plants,” and eligible/neonicotinoid products; it may also specify transition periods or exemptions for certain operations.

Note

This summary reflects the information available from the bill’s title, action history, and sponsor details. For a complete understanding, the exact statutory language, definitions, enforcement provisions, exemptions, and any amendments adopted by the Committee would need to be reviewed once the bill is further advanced.