Bill > HB1277

This bill establishes a comprehensive new Plant and Pollinator Protection Act that replaces existing bee and plant pest regulations in Pennsylvania. The bill creates a detailed framework for licensing, inspecting, and regulating plant merchants and pollinator operations, with the primary goals of protecting plants and pollinators from pests and invasive species. Key provisions include establishing mandatory licensing for businesses dealing with plants or pollinators, creating a Plant and Pollinator Protection Committee to advise the Department of Agriculture, implementing rigorous inspection and quarantine procedures, and establishing significant penalties for violations. The bill requires businesses to maintain detailed records, report pest issues, and obtain proper certifications when transporting or distributing plants and pollinators. It also sets up a Plant and Pollinator Protection Account to fund these regulatory efforts and creates a comprehensive system of civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. The legislation repeals previous bee and plant pest laws, consolidating and modernizing regulations to provide more comprehensive protection for Pennsylvania's agricultural and ecological interests. The bill will take effect 60 days after passage, giving businesses time to adapt to the new regulatory requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1277