Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After being deferred last year because of intense community pushback, a proposed bill removing liability for pesticide and chemical manufacturers has been revived and is set to be heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
HB0809/SB0527, sponsored by Rep. Rusty Grills (R-Newbern-District 77) and Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon-District 24), is designed to limit liability for pesticide manufacturers in tort cases involving injury to consumers.
The proposed legislation provides that a manufacturer or seller would not be liable in a civil action “related to the labeling of the pesticide, including a products liability action alleging a failure to warn under title 29, chapter 28, if the pesticide bore a label approved by the EPA under FINRA at the time of sale.”
Last year the bill faced strong opposition from constituents and several health organizations including Stand for Health Freedom Tennessee (SFH) who revealed the bill was brought to the legislature by Bayer, the German pharmaceutical and chemical company, which threatened to withdraw their glyphosate products from the market should states not pass a shield bill.
Tennessee is not the only state to have been targeted by the chemical industry as Missouri, Georgia, and Iowa all passed similar legislation brought by the industry giant last year. Montana was the only state last session to completely defeat such a proposal when the bill failed to clear the House.
SFH also cited grave concerns that the shield bill would increase risks to public health as chemicals enter the food supply, providing studies showing links between glyphosate and increased cancer risks, amongst other health concerns, and presented evidence alleging conspiracy between Bayer and the EPA to keep cancer warning labels off products.
The opposition further cited the bill as potential violations of the Seventh Amendment, which preserves the right of a jury trial in civil cases, and Article 1, Sections 6 & 17 of the Tennessee Constitution, which also codify the right to jury trials and the right of every person to remedy for injuries to their lands, goods, person, or reputation administered without sale, denial, or delay.
The Senate version, SB0527, passed with little resistance 21-7 at the end of last year’s session, with almost all Republicans voting in favor. Republican Senators Janice Bowling and Rusty Crowe joined five Democrats in voting against while Republicans Mark Pody and Kerry Roberts marked themselves “Present Not Voting”.
A week later in the House, Republican Rep. Clay Doggett proposed moving HB0809 to 2026 and possibly creating a study committee, saying there were, “a lot of questions that have been asked and a lot of information and I think folks would like to hear more from stakeholders.”
Whether those questions have been answered or if lawmakers have researched the proposal more thoroughly will be revealed when the committee meets later this week.
To contact members of the House Judiciary Committee with any thoughts on this bill, use the information below:
Rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.elaine.davis@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov, rep.elaine.davis@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov, rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov, rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov, Rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov, rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov, rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov, rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Congress just deleted the SAME ISSUE as Line Item 453 OUT of the Appropriations Bill LAST WEEK because of citizen protest.
Now the TN bill has had THREE more sponsors THIS PAST WEEK.
TN has NO business giving ANY BUSINESS OR PRODUCT TOTAL IMMUNITY, and particularly an international company , AND a GERMAN company. WTH?
CALL THE REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS! If this passes in the Judiciary it will go to the floor. Several reps are distressed they voted FOR it. But not enough if this passes on Wednesday.
CALL NOW!