119-HR4014
To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for the reckless importation or handling of dangerous agricultural pathogens.
Last action was on 6-13-2025
SenateCurrent status is Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
View Official Bill Information at congress.govNo users have voted for/against support on this bill yet. Be the first!
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4014
1. Short title2. Reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the "Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act".
2. Reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens
Title 18 U.S.C. is amended by inserting after section 175b the following:
175c. Reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens.
(a) Offense - Whoever knowingly or recklessly imports a biological agent, toxin, or organism—
(1) - without the required permit or authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or other appropriate agency; and
(2) - where such agent, toxin, or organism is designated by regulation as a high-risk agricultural pathogen capable of causing significant harm to U.S. crops, livestock, or agricultural ecosystems,
(b) Aggravating factors - If the offense:
(1) - involves concealment of origin;
(2) - is committed by a person acting on behalf of, or funded by, a foreign government; or
(3) - results in actual economic damage exceeding $1,000,000;
(c) Definitions - In this section:
(1) - the term "recklessly" means the person consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the pathogen could cause significant harm.
(2) - the term "high-risk agricultural pathogen" shall be defined by the Secretary of Agriculture and published via regulation.