State of the States

Now that most state legislatures are at the halfway mark in their sessions, here’s a look at the status of some of the key bills being tracked by ASTA:

• Illinois HB 1847 would amend the state Environmental Protection Act. It provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, pretreated seeds shall not be used in the production of ethanol; and defines “pretreated seeds” as “any manufactured seed that is treated before planting with pesticides.” The bill has passed the House and is awaiting Senate committee assignment.
• Indiana HB 1147 would place new requirements on seed germination and purity testing fees. Specifically, it would require the state seed commissioner to charge fees that are commensurate with the administration of certain laws concerning the sale and transfer of plant cultures. This includes costs of inspections, registration of products, product analysis, and other administrative items. The bill has passed and is on the Governor’s desk for signature.
• Oregon HB 4002 would place new restrictions on agriculture labor. Employers would be prohibited from permitting or requiring agricultural workers to work more than maximum allowable hours, unless workers are compensated for overtime hours worked. The bill has passed and is on the Governor’s desk for signature.
• Indiana SB 388 would prohibit a foreign business entity that owns agricultural land in Indiana from transferring the land to another foreign business entity. The law, which would enter into force after June 30, 2022, would also prohibit business entities organized under the laws of the Russian Federation from holding and conveying real property located within Indiana. The bill has passed both chambers with amendments.
• Illinois HB 1847 would prohibit pretreated seeds from being used in the production of ethanol. The bill has passed the House and is awaiting Senate committee assignment.

For a report on all the legislation ASTA is tracking, click here.