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SB 89

Glyphosate: prohibition on sale.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Akilah Weber Pierson

SB 89 would ban glyphosate sales in California, eliminating the most common herbicide for farming and landscaping while raising food costs and facing federal preemption challenges.

April 2 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.
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Bill Summary · SB 89

Legislative bill overview

SB 89 would prohibit the sale and use of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) in California. The bill has been reintroduced with author amendments and is currently pending committee hearings after the author requested a cancellation of the April 2 hearing date.

Why is this important

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in agriculture and landscaping in California, affecting millions of acres of farmland and billions in agricultural revenue. The proposal addresses health concerns cited in litigation (particularly regarding cancer risk) but would significantly disrupt farming practices and create enforcement challenges around interstate commerce and federal preemption.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural impact: Farmers would lose access to a primary, cost-effective weed control method; alternative herbicides are often more expensive or less effective, potentially raising food costs
  • Federal preemption: The EPA has approved glyphosate as safe; a state ban may conflict with federal authority and face legal challenges similar to other state pesticide restrictions
  • Implementation and enforcement: Difficult to prevent use of federally legal products brought in from neighboring states; creates compliance burdens for agricultural operations and retailers
  • Scientific disagreement: While California's Proposition 65 lists glyphosate as a carcinogen, the EPA and international regulatory bodies maintain it's safe at permitted levels—creating conflicting regulatory signals

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

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