Sponsors (2)
The bill creates a new federal civil remedy allowing monetary recovery (including punitive damages) for pesticide harms—expanding accountability and deterrence—but pairs that with a ban on fee recovery and a federal-only venue that could limit access to court for low-income and rural plaintiffs and increase costs that may be passed to farmers and consumers.
Homeowners, rural communities, farmers, and agricultural workers can sue pesticide registrants in federal court for compensatory and (where awarded) punitive damages, creating a clear federal remedy for pesticide-caused harm.
Injured individuals (including patients with chronic conditions, homeowners, and farmers) can recover compensatory damages to help cover medical bills, property loss, or remediation costs.
Permitting punitive damages (at the court's discretion) increases the deterrent against reckless conduct by pesticide registrants, potentially improving public health and safety in rural and agricultural communities.
Low-income individuals and homeowners may be deterred from suing because the ban on recovery of attorney fees and court costs makes litigation unaffordable for those without resources.
Pesticide registrants face increased litigation exposure, which could raise compliance and liability costs that are likely to be passed on to farmers and consumers in the form of higher prices.
Requiring federal-only venue may force plaintiffs—especially those in rural areas—to litigate far from home, increasing travel, logistical burdens, and practical barriers to access to justice.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal private right to sue pesticide registrants for personal or property injury, allowing compensatory and discretionary punitive damages while barring attorney’s fees.
Creates a new private right of action under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act allowing any person harmed (in person or property) by a pesticide to sue the pesticide registrant in federal court for monetary damages. Courts may award compensatory and, at their discretion, punitive damages; the bill bars recovery of attorneys’ fees and court costs and explicitly preserves state-law claims.
Official title: Amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to establish a private right of action for injuries caused by pesticides, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Cory Anthony Booker · Last progress July 17, 2025