Prohibits the use of the pesticide paraquat

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Siela Bynoe and 5 co-sponsors

The bill would ban or severely restrict paraquat use in New York, enforce compliance, and require alternatives and reporting to protect health and the environment.

PRINT NUMBER 9094A

Summary of Bill: S 9094 (New York, 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

S 9094 proposes prohibiting the use of the herbicide/pesticide paraquat within the state of New York. The bill aims to restrict or ban the application of paraquat due to health and environmental concerns associated with the chemical.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition scope: The bill would ban or severely restrict the use of paraquat-based products, including in agricultural and possibly non-agricultural settings, depending on the final language adopted by the Legislature.

Enforcement framework: The measure would establish enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, potentially including regulatory oversight by an environmental or agricultural agency, penalties for violations, and remedies for affected parties.

Regulatory alignment: The bill may require updates to any state pesticide regulatory requirements, labeling standards, and licensing or certification processes for applicators to reflect the paraquat ban.

Exceptions or transitional provisions: If any, these might include phased implementation, exemptions for specific critical uses, or allowances during a transition period to alternative pest management methods.

Related reporting: The bill could require periodic reporting on paraquat use, compliance status, and public health or environmental impact assessments.

Who would be affected

Producers, commercial applicators, dealers, and distributors of paraquat-containing products in New York.

Farmers and land managers who rely on paraquat for weed control.

Local governments and public agencies that use paraquat in municipal or state-led programs.

Consumers and neighboring communities potentially impacted by reduced paraquat use and changes in farming practices.

Health and environmental regulatory agencies responsible for pesticide registration, enforcement, and monitoring.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Referral history: The bill was referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee on February 3, 2026.

Amendment path: On April 20, 2026, the bill was amended and recommitted to Environmental Conservation, with a companion print version issued as 9094A. This suggests consideration of revised language or additional provisions before potential floor action.

Current status: As of the latest action, the bill is undergoing committee review and potential amendments, with no final enactment date provided in the summary matter.

Co-sponsors

Liz Krueger

Brian Kavanagh

Cordell Cleare

Siela Bynoe

Pete Harckham

Kristen Gonzalez

Context and potential impact

Public health: Paraquat is associated with serious health risks, including acute poisoning and long-term health concerns; prohibiting its use could reduce exposure for agricultural workers and nearby residents.

Environmental effects: Limiting paraquat use may benefit non-target species and reduce environmental contamination.

Agricultural practices: Farmers may need to adopt alternative weed management strategies (e.g., mechanical control, other herbicides, integrated pest management) and may require cost considerations during transition.

Implementation considerations: Effective enforcement, clear labeling, and adequate alternatives will influence the practical impact and compliance rates. Funding and resources for regulatory agencies to monitor and support a transition could be a factor.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections (e.g., enforcement details or transition timelines) or compare it to related New York pesticide policy bills.