Bill Summary
The "Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act" is a proposed legislation aimed at addressing the risks associated with the importation and handling of dangerous agricultural pathogens. It amends Title 18 of the United States Code to introduce criminal penalties for individuals who recklessly import biological agents, toxins, or organisms deemed as high-risk agricultural pathogens without proper permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or other relevant authorities.
Key points of the legislation include:
1. **Offense Definition**: Importing dangerous agricultural pathogens without authorization is classified as a criminal offense, punishable by fines or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
2. **Aggravating Factors**: If the crime involves concealment of the pathogen's origin, is conducted on behalf of a foreign government, or results in significant economic damage exceeding $1 million, the penalty can increase to imprisonment for up to 20 years.
3. **Definitions**: The act clarifies that "recklessly" refers to a conscious disregard of substantial risks posed by pathogens, and defines "high-risk agricultural pathogen" based on regulations established by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance national security and protect the agricultural industry from the potential threats posed by the reckless importation of harmful pathogens.
Possible Impacts
The Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act could affect people in several ways:
1. **Enhanced Food Security**: By imposing strict penalties on the reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens, the PLANT Act aims to protect U.S. crops and livestock from potentially devastating diseases. This protection can lead to increased food security for consumers, as it helps ensure a stable supply of agricultural products and reduces the risk of food shortages or price spikes caused by disease outbreaks.
2. **Increased Accountability for Importers**: Individuals and businesses involved in the importation of agricultural products will face heightened scrutiny and legal responsibility. Importers must ensure compliance with regulations and obtain necessary permits to avoid severe penalties. This may lead to increased operational costs for businesses as they implement more robust compliance measures, which could be passed on to consumers.
3. **National Security Implications**: The legislation addresses the potential threat posed by foreign actors who may intentionally introduce harmful pathogens into U.S. agriculture. By deterring such actions through severe penalties, the PLANT Act helps safeguard the nation's agricultural infrastructure, which is critical not only for food production but also for economic stability and national security. This, in turn, can foster public confidence in the safety of the food supply.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4014 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4014
To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties
for the reckless importation or handling of dangerous agricultural
pathogens.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 13, 2025
Mr. Nunn of Iowa (for himself and Mr. Riley of New York) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties
for the reckless importation or handling of dangerous agricultural
pathogens.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Preventing Lethal Agricultural and
National Threats (PLANT) Act''.
SEC. 2. RECKLESS IMPORTATION OF DANGEROUS AGRICULTURAL PATHOGENS.
Title 18 U.S.C. is amended by inserting after section 175b the
following:
``Sec. 175c. Reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens.
``(a) Offense.--Whoever knowingly or recklessly imports a
biological agent, toxin, or organism--
``(1) without the required permit or authorization from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture or other appropriate agency; and
``(2) where such agent, toxin, or organism is designated by
regulation as a high-risk agricultural pathogen capable of
causing significant harm to U.S. crops, livestock, or
agricultural ecosystems,
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years,
or both.
``(b) Aggravating Factors.--If the offense:
``(1) involves concealment of origin;
``(2) is committed by a person acting on behalf of, or
funded by, a foreign government; or
``(3) results in actual economic damage exceeding
$1,000,000;
Then the term of imprisonment may be up to 20 years.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) the term `recklessly' means the person consciously
disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the
pathogen could cause significant harm.
``(2) the term `high-risk agricultural pathogen' shall be
defined by the Secretary of Agriculture and published via
regulation.''.
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