State Legislation Update

Bills in state legislatures are starting to be filed for the 2020 sessions. While there have not been many that are significant for seed, quite a few could indirectly affect the seed industry – good and bad.

Pollinator protection is still a hot topic. Most of the bills filed are designed to protect pollinator habitat, some of which would limit pesticide use. And, of course, many bills have been introduced in response to USDA’s decriminalization of hemp. Of the 181 bills ASTA is tracking so far, half are from the northeastern states. None of the bills on ASTA’s watch-list have moved past filing, but the association will be keeping a close watch. It’s important to remember it’s still early in the filing season.