Bill · H.R. 4014· House(119-HR-4014)
Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act
- Introduced
- 6/13/2025
- Last activity
- 6/13/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Zachary Nunn
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act," proposes changes to title 18 of the United States Code. It aims to create criminal penalties for anyone who knowingly or recklessly imports biological agents, toxins, or organisms without proper authorization. This applies specifically to high-risk agricultural pathogens that could harm U.S. crops, livestock, or ecosystems. The law would include fines and prison sentences of up to 10 years for these offenses. Penalties can increase to up to 20 years if certain aggravating factors are present, such as economic damage or foreign government involvement.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would farmers be better off under this?+7
Farmers benefit from increased protections against devastating agricultural pathogens.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill protects agricultural ecosystems from the introduction of dangerous pathogens.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
Securing the agricultural supply chain directly supports the livelihood of rural communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Criminal Penalties for Unsafe Imports: The bill establishes fines and prison time of up to 10 years for those who import high-risk pathogens without the necessary permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or other agencies (Section 2, subsection a). This could help protect U.S. crops, livestock, and agricultural ecosystems from significant harm.
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Increased Penalties for Severe Cases: The law allows for prison terms of up to 20 years if the offense involves concealing the origin of the pathogen, is funded by a foreign government, or results in economic damage over $1,000,000 (Section 2, subsection b). This provides a stricter deterrent for high-stakes or deceptive actions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+7Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Rural Development+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Pandemic Preparedness+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3
- 5/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/12/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/13/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
April McClain DelaneyDemocrat · Maryland
Josh RileyDemocrat · New York
Derrick Van OrdenRepublican · Wisconsin