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PA HB1277
Bill
Status
4/21/2025
Primary Sponsor
Christopher Rabb
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AI Summary
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Creates the "Plant and Pollinator Protection Act" under Title 3 (Agriculture) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for plant merchants and pollinator operations, including honey bees, bumble bees, mason bees, and leafcutter bees
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Requires licensing for all plant merchants and pollinator operations, with annual fees ranging from $30-$120 for pollinator operations (based on colony count) and $100-$300 for plant merchants (based on facility size), with license periods running January-December for plant merchants and July-June for pollinator operations
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Grants the Department of Agriculture authority to conduct inspections, issue quarantine orders, stop orders, and treatment orders to control plant and pollinator pests, with civil penalties up to $20,000 per violation plus remediation costs
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Establishes the Plant and Pollinator Protection Committee (minimum 7 members) to advise the department on pest tolerance levels, inspection programs, and needed legislation, with members serving 4-year terms appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture
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Repeals the existing Bee Law (Chapter 21 of Title 3) and the Plant Pest Act of 1992, consolidating plant and pollinator protection into a single unified chapter, with the act taking effect in 60 days
Legislative Description
In plants and plant products, providing for plant and pollinator protection; conferring powers and duties on the Department of Agriculture and Secretary of Agriculture; establishing the Plant and Pollinator Protection Committee and the Plant and Pollinator Protection Account; repealing provisions relating to bees; imposing penalties; and making repeals.
Last Action
Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs
4/21/2025