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SB 3161

PESTICIDES-PARAQUAT BAN

104th Regular Session Introduced by Cristina Castro and 8 co-sponsors

Illinois bans paraquat nationwide starting 2027, allows limited research use under strict rules, and requires pre-ban reporting of all paraquat activity.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 3161

Summary of SB 3161 (104th General Assembly) – Illinois

Title

Pesticides — Paraquat Ban

Main purpose and intent

SB 3161 would prohibit the use, sale, distribution, or handling of paraquat-containing herbicides in Illinois, with limited exception for research conducted under strict safety and reporting protocols. The bill aims to reduce paraquat use in the state and establish a reporting framework to track remaining paraquat activity.

Key provisions and changes

  • Ban on paraquat

    • Beginning January 1, 2027, paraquat use is prohibited in Illinois, with exceptions only as provided in the bill’s provisions or subsequent rules.
    • The term “Paraquat” covers any herbicide product containing paraquat dichloride or any other chemical form of paraquat.
    • The ban applies to all “persons” (individuals, firms, entities, partnerships, corporations, and other business organizations, including officers and employees) within Illinois.

  • Research exception (limited use)

    • The Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Public Health, may authorize limited paraquat use for research purposes. Such use must occur under strict safety and reporting protocols established by the Department through rulemaking.

  • Mandatory reporting

    • By January 1, 2027, all persons who use, distribute, or sell paraquat in Illinois must submit detailed reports to the Department of Agriculture. Required information includes:
    • Quantity of paraquat used, sold, or distributed in the preceding year
    • Geographic areas where paraquat is used
    • Types of crops or applications for which paraquat is used
    • Any other information required by Department rule or regulation

  • Enforcement and penalties

    • Violations of the reporting requirements are subject to penalties as provided in the existing Illinois Pesticide Act (Section 24 of the Act).

  • Administrative responsibilities

    • The Illinois Department of Agriculture is directed to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the paraquat ban, including establishing fines and penalties.

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with the paraquat ban taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Who would be affected

  • Primary impact: All individuals and entities in Illinois involved with paraquat, including suppliers, distributors, retailers, farmers, and applicators.
  • Regulatory oversight: Illinois Department of Agriculture would oversee implementation, reporting requirements, and penalties; compatibility with the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Public Health for research exceptions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Immediate enactment of the act itself.
  • Paraquat prohibition effective date: January 1, 2027.
  • Reporting deadline: January 1, 2027, for initial detailed reports.
  • Rulemaking: Departments (Agriculture, with input from Natural Resources and Public Health) would issue implementing rules, including criteria for research use and penalties.

Notable considerations

  • The bill does not specify a phase-in period beyond the 2027 ban date.
  • It creates a framework for rigorous data collection on paraquat use prior to the ban.
  • It emphasizes safety and reporting protocols for any authorized research use.

This summary reflects the introduced text as of the 104th General Assembly and may be refined by committee amendments or subsequent legislative action.

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

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