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Bill

S 176

An act relating to prohibiting the use of the herbicide paraquat

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Martine Gulick and 7 co-sponsors

Vermont would ban paraquat use statewide, requiring farmers, landscapers, and regulators to stop applications and transition to alternative weed control methods.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Agriculture
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 176

Summary of Bill S.176 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

  • S.176 aims to prohibit the use of the herbicide paraquat within the state of Vermont.
  • The bill is designed to reduce potential health risks and environmental harms associated with paraquat exposure, aligning with public health and agricultural sustainability goals.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition on paraquat use:

    • The bill would ban the use of paraquat, an herbicide, within Vermont.
    • It may outline enforcement mechanisms and specify penalties for violations (exact penalties would be in the statutory text; not provided here).

  • Scope and applicability:

    • Applies to individuals and entities using paraquat within Vermont’s jurisdiction.
    • Could cover agricultural applications, landscaping, commercial turf management, and other contexts where paraquat is used.

  • Exceptions or regulatory framework (to be confirmed in the bill text):

    • Many similar bills include limited exemptions (e.g., registered users under certain licenses, emergency use provisions, or transitional periods). The summary notes that such details would be in the enacted language.

  • Transition and compliance timelines:

    • If included, the bill may specify a phase-out period or a compliance date by which paraquat use must cease, along with any transitional guidance for affected industries.

Who would be affected

  • Agricultural producers and commercial applicators:

    • Farmers and agribusinesses that currently rely on paraquat for weed control would need to switch to alternative herbicides or non-chemical weed management strategies.

  • Landscapers and turf management services:
    -Companies providing lawn care, landscape maintenance, or municipal/public works services that use paraquat would be required to halt use.

  • Government agencies and regulators:

    • State agencies responsible for environmental protection, agriculture, and public health would implement and enforce the prohibition, including inspections and penalties for non-compliance.

  • General public health and environment:

    • Potential indirect protections for farmworkers, residents, and ecosystems from paraquat exposure and runoff.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral and committee action:

    • The bill was read in the 1st reading and referred to the Committee on Agriculture on January 6, 2026.

  • Sponsorship:

    • Primary sponsor and several co-sponsors, including Andrew Perchlik and Tanya Vyhovsky, among others, indicating bipartisan or cross-party interest.

  • Next steps (typical process):

    • The Agriculture Committee would study, possibly amend, and report the bill to the full chamber.
    • If advanced, the bill would proceed through full chamber readings, potential House and Senate concurrence, and, if passed in identical form, move to the governor for signature or veto.

Potential impact

  • Public health and safety:

    • Reducing exposure to paraquat for farmworkers, communities, and the environment.

  • Agricultural and economic considerations:

    • Agricultural stakeholders may need to adopt alternative weed control methods, which could involve costs, training, and changes in pest management practices.

  • Environmental protection:

    • Potential improvements in soil and water quality and reduced non-target impacts.

Note: This summary is based on the available bill title, sponsor list, and action history. For precise definitions, exemptions, penalties, regulatory mechanisms, and any transitional provisions, review the full text of S.176 as introduced and any subsequent amendments.

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

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