What does Preamble of Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act do?

This bill aims to amend Title 18, United States Code, to create criminal penalties. The penalties would apply to the reckless importation or handling of dangerous agricultural pathogens.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act.

What does RECKLESS IMPORTATION OF DANGEROUS AGRICULTURAL PATHOGENS. of Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act do?

This section amends Title 18 U.S.C. by adding section 175c, concerning the reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens. It establishes an offense for knowingly or recklessly importing a biological agent, toxin, or organism without required permits and designated as a high-risk agricultural pathogen. The penalty for this offense is a fine, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. Increased penalties, up to 20 years imprisonment, apply if the offense involves concealment of origin, is committed by someone acting on behalf of a foreign government, or results in over $1,000,000 in economic damage. The term 'recklessly' is defined as consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm. The term 'high-risk agricultural pathogen' will be defined by the Secretary of Agriculture through regulation.

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Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act

Last updated: 6/13/2025 · Introduced: 6/13/2025

Author: Zachary Nunn (R-IA)

TL;DR (AI)

The PLANT Act establishes criminal penalties for knowingly or recklessly importing dangerous agricultural pathogens without proper permits.
Individuals convicted of importing high-risk agricultural pathogens face fines, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both, with increased penalties for aggravated offenses.
The Secretary of Agriculture will define 'high-risk agricultural pathogen' through regulation.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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