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S 587

The Honorable Pat Gibson Hye-Moore Memorial Street

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Reichenbach and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits sale and use of neonicotinoid-treated corn, wheat, and soybean seed in MA starting 2029, unless a department waiver based on strict IPM-based criteria is granted.

Adopted, returned to Senate with concurrence
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 587

Summary — S.587 (2025): “An Act to protect pollinators and public health”

Note: Some metadata supplied with the request appears inconsistent with the bill text (for example, an alternate title about a tax deduction for cash tips and a long list of federal sponsors). This summary is based on the bill text filed in the Massachusetts Senate (Senate No. 587, presented by Sen. James B. Eldridge) that would restrict neonicotinoid‑treated agricultural seed.

At a glance

  • Purpose: Prohibit the sale and use (beginning January 1, 2029) of neonicotinoid‑treated seed for corn, wheat, and soybean in Massachusetts, subject to a narrowly defined waiver process, to protect pollinators, non‑target organisms, water quality, and public health.
  • Where added: Amends Chapter 132B of the Massachusetts General Laws (pesticide/pest control provisions).
  • Effective date for prohibitions: January 1, 2029.
  • Sponsor (filed): Sen. James B. Eldridge (with several co‑petitions listed in the filing).

Main provisions

  1. Definition

    • Adds a definition of “Neonicotinoid” to Chapter 132B, listing common active ingredients (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nithiazine, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam) and any pesticide the U.S. EPA or the Massachusetts department identifies as a neonicotinoid.

  2. Sale/use prohibition (effective Jan 1, 2029)

    • Prohibits distribution, sale, or offer for sale of agricultural seed for corn, wheat, or soybean if the seed is treated with a neonicotinoid, unless a waiver from the department is issued.
    • Prohibits use of such treated seed for those crops without a department waiver.

  3. Waiver process and criteria

    • Applicants must complete integrated pest management (IPM) training, perform a pest risk assessment, and submit a pest risk assessment report.
    • The department may grant a waiver only if it finds all of the following: a. A pest presents a significant risk of imminent harm, injury, or crop loss; b. Use of neonicotinoid‑treated seed will be effective in addressing that risk; c. Use will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment (including non‑target organisms and surface/groundwater quality); d. No less harmful seed treatment, pesticide, or pest management practice will be effective.
    • Waivers must state their basis, specify geographic scope (may be limited to properties identified in the assessment), and have a start date and duration (maximum one year).

  4. Recordkeeping, transparency, and regulations

    • Waiver holders must keep pest risk reports and records of treated seed use (including date and location); records are subject to department review.
    • Waivers are public records and must be posted online.
    • The department, in consultation with the board, may adopt implementing regulations and may charge application fees.

Who would be affected

  • Farmers and growers of corn, wheat, and soybeans in Massachusetts (use of neonicotinoid‑treated seed).
  • Seed companies and distributors selling treated seed in the state.
  • Pesticide manufacturers and applicators supplying treatments for seed.
  • Environmental stakeholders (pollinator conservation groups, water quality advocates) and the general public (indirectly) due to potential environmental and public health effects.

Timeline & procedural status (from provided actions)

  • Filed: January 16, 2025 (Senate docket no. 1672).
  • Referred to Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (Feb 27, 2025); also read and referred to Finance (Feb 13, 2025).
  • Reported and committed to Investigations and Government Operations (May 28, 2025).
  • A public hearing was scheduled for October 27, 2025. (Procedural entries included in the source appear to duplicate or conflict; the above reflects the major committee referrals and reported status.)

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Environmental/public health: Likely reduced environmental exposure to neonicotinoids with potential benefits for pollinator health and aquatic ecosystems.
  • Agricultural: May increase reliance on alternative pest management strategies (IPM, biological controls, different chemistries) or create short‑term production risk where pests are severe; waiver process provides an emergency/limited relief path.
  • Economic: Seed and agrochemical businesses could face reduced demand for treated seed; farmers may incur costs for alternative treatments or pest losses in cases where waivers are denied.
  • Administrative: The Department will need capacity to review pest risk assessments, run the waiver process, maintain public records, and adopt regulations.

Notes

  • The bill specifically targets seed treatments for corn, wheat and soybean—other crop uses, foliar applications, or non‑seed products are not addressed by the text provided.
  • Reviewers should be aware of metadata inconsistencies in the supplied file (alternate title and extensive sponsor list that appear unrelated). This summary strictly reflects the Massachusetts bill text presented.

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

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