Bill > HR4014

This bill establishes criminal penalties for the reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens into the United States. Specifically, the PLANT Act creates a new criminal offense under Title 18 of the U.S. Code that makes it illegal to import a biological agent, toxin, or organism without proper permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, particularly if the pathogen is designated as a high-risk agricultural pathogen capable of causing significant harm to U.S. crops, livestock, or agricultural ecosystems. The bill defines "recklessly" as consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk of causing significant harm. Violators could face fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years. The penalties increase to up to 20 years in prison if the offense involves concealing the pathogen's origin, is committed on behalf of a foreign government, or results in economic damage exceeding $1 million. The Secretary of Agriculture will be responsible for defining and publishing regulations that specify what constitutes a "high-risk agricultural pathogen" through the regulatory process.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4014/all-info