Bill > SF394

This bill modifies existing Iowa law regarding tort liability for pesticides by establishing a new legal standard for warning and labeling requirements. Specifically, the bill provides that for any pesticide registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the EPA-approved label or a label consistent with the most recent human health assessment or carcinogenicity classification shall be considered sufficient to meet all state-level warning and labeling requirements under Chapter 206 and other common law duties to warn. This means that if a pesticide's label meets federal EPA standards, it will be legally presumed to provide adequate health and safety warnings, which could potentially limit liability for pesticide manufacturers. However, the bill explicitly states that this provision does not completely prohibit other potential causes of action under state law, leaving some room for legal challenges beyond labeling issues. The bill appears intended to provide some legal protection for pesticide manufacturers while maintaining a pathway for consumers to seek legal recourse under other legal theories.

Justice

Judiciary (Senate)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF394