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HF 3965

Sale and use of paraquat dichloride prohibited, commissioner required to collect and dispose of paraquat dichloride, and report required.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Leigh Finke and 12 co-sponsors

Minnesota bans sale of paraquat-containing pesticides starting 2027 and bans use starting 2028, with the state disposing of prohibited products and reporting on status by 2028.

Author added Rehm
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment #fertilizersandpesticides #hazardoussubstances
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Bill Summary · HF 3965

Summary of HF 3965 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Purpose and Intent

HF 3965 proposes to prohibit the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides containing paraquat dichloride in Minnesota, with state-wide governance and timelines beginning in 2027–2028. The bill aims to reduce reliance on paraquat dichloride by banning its sale and use, and to establish a state role in the collection and disposal of paraquat-containing pesticides, as well as to provide a formal report on the status and supply-chain of paraquat in the state.

Key Provisions

Section 1. Prohibition on sale and use

  • Sale Prohibited (Subd. 1): Beginning January 1, 2027, it shall be illegal to sell, offer for sale, or distribute a pesticide that contains paraquat dichloride within Minnesota.
  • Use Prohibited (Subd. 2): Beginning January 1, 2028, it shall be illegal for any person to use a pesticide that contains paraquat dichloride in Minnesota.
  • Collection and Disposal (Subd. 3): The Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture must collect and dispose of pesticides prohibited for sale and use under this section, in accordance with existing statutory framework (specifically cited as section 18B.065).

Section 2. Reporting on Paraquat Dichloride

  • Report Deadline: By January 1, 2028, the Commissioner of Agriculture must transmit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture finance and policy.
  • Content of Report: The report should cover:
    • The use of paraquat dichloride in the state over time.
    • The status of paraquat dichloride within the pesticide supply chain (i.e., availability, suppliers, and stock levels).

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Pesticide Manufacturers and Distributors: Prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or distributing any pesticide containing paraquat dichloride starting January 1, 2027.
  • Pesticide Applicators/Users: Prohibited from using paraquat dichloride-containing pesticides starting January 1, 2028.
  • State Authorities: The Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture is charged with:
    • Collecting and disposing of paraquat-containing pesticides that are prohibited for sale or use.
    • Producing a policy-relevant report on paraquat dichloride’s status in Minnesota’s market and supply chain by January 1, 2028.
  • Consumers/General Public: Potential indirect impacts include reduced exposure to paraquat dichloride and a shift in pesticide options, which may affect agricultural practices and pest management choices.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective Dates:
    • January 1, 2027 — Prohibition on sale/distribution of paraquat dichloride-containing pesticides.
    • January 1, 2028 — Prohibition on use of paraquat dichloride-containing pesticides.
  • Enforcement and disposal: The bill directs the Commissioner of Agriculture to manage the disposal of prohibited products under the authority of section 18B.065 (a current framework for pesticide disposal and related activities).
  • Reporting Timeline: By January 1, 2028, the Commissioner must provide a formal report to legislative leadership (chairs and ranking minority members) detailing historical use and current supply-chain status.

Notable Details

  • The bill codifies new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18B, under section 18B.117.
  • It includes a clear phased approach: prohibition on sale first, then prohibition on use, with a separate disposal and reporting obligation tied to the prohibition timeline.

If you’d like, I can provide a comparison with current Minnesota pesticide regulations, or a short FAQ addressing potential questions from stakeholders (farmers, suppliers, environmental groups).

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

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