HF4109 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Definition of currently avoidable use in the pesticide control chapter amended.
Related bill: SF4277
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill changes how Minnesota defines when PFAS-containing uses in pesticides are allowed. It sets criteria for when such uses can be considered essential and not replaceable by alternatives.
Main Provisions
- The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18B.01 subdivision 6c (pesticide control) to redefine “Currently unavoidable use.”
- New definition: Currently unavoidable use means a use of PFAS that is essential for the health, safety, or functioning of society and for which alternatives are not reasonably available.
- The definition may include consideration of the need to prevent or minimize pest resistance and the potential animal and human health and environmental impacts of alternative products.
- This creates a clearer standard regulators can use to decide whether PFAS use in pesticides is allowable when there are no reasonable alternatives.
Significance and Changes to Law
- Replaces or clarifies how “Currently unavoidable use” is determined, focusing on essential societal needs and lack of viable alternatives.
- Explicitly adds pest resistance and health/environmental impacts of alternatives as factors in the decision.
Implications
- Regulators (such as state pesticide programs) will apply these criteria when evaluating requests to use PFAS-containing products.
- Affects farmers, pesticide manufacturers, and groups concerned with health and the environment by shaping when PFAS uses may be approved.
Procedural Context
- The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy. Section 1 contains the amendment.
How to understand the bill in plain terms
- It tightens the test for when PFAS can be used in pesticides by requiring the use to be essential and lack reasonable alternatives, while allowing consideration of pest resistance and the health and environmental consequences of other options.
Relevant Terms - PFAS - currently unavoidable use - pesticide control - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 18B.01 subdivision 6c - essential for the health, safety, or functioning of society - alternatives not reasonably available - pest resistance - animal health - human health - environmental impacts - alternative products
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 09, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Agriculture Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 18B.01, subdivision 6c, relating to the definition of currently unavoidable use in the pesticide control chapter.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 18B.01",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6c"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee