SF4160

Purpose

This bill aims to phase out paraquat dichloride by banning its sale and use as a pesticide in Minnesota, with a state-led disposal process and a required report on implementation and the pesticide supply chain. It also requires coding changes in Minnesota Statutes to reflect the new law.

Main Provisions

• Prohibited sale

  • Beginning January 1, 2027, no person may sell, offer for sale, or distribute a pesticide that contains paraquat dichloride.

• Prohibited use

  • Beginning January 1, 2028, no person may use a pesticide that contains paraquat dichloride.

• Collection and disposal

  • The commissioner of agriculture must collect and dispose of paraquat dichloride pesticides that are prohibited for sale or use, following the procedures set out in Minnesota Statutes section 18B.065.

• Reporting and statutory coding

  • By January 1, 2028, the commissioner must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture, finance, and policy regarding:
  • The use of paraquat dichloride in the state over time
  • The status of paraquat dichloride in the pesticide supply chain
  • The bill also requires proposing coding for a new law in Minnesota Statutes chapter 18B to reflect these changes.

Timeline and Compliance

• 2027: Prohibition on the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of pesticides containing paraquat dichloride takes effect.
• 2028: Prohibition on the use of pesticides containing paraquat dichloride takes effect; mandatory disposal program must be implemented; required reporting to legislative leadership.

Significant Changes to Law

• Adds a phased prohibition on paraquat dichloride in Minnesota pesticides, first for sale (2027) and then for use (2028).
• Establishes a state-led disposal/collection obligation for previously available paraquat dichloride products.
• Introduces a mandatory reporting requirement on long-term use and the pesticide supply chain, plus a directive to update statutes (coding) to incorporate these changes into Chapter 18B.

Relevant Terms paraquat dichloride pesticide prohibited sale prohibited use commissioner of agriculture Minnesota Statutes chapter 18B section 18B.065 pesticide supply chain collection and disposal disposal program report chairs and ranking minority members agriculture, finance, and policy committees 2027 2028