BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — A bill that could limit lawsuits against pesticide companies has passed both chambers of the North Dakota Legislature. On Monday, the Senate approved the bill with a 29 to 18 vote. It passed the House last week. Supporters say House Bill 1318 protects farmers and streamli nes regulation. Opponents argue it shields large corporations from accountability and weakens public health protections. The legislation says that if a pesticide label is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it meets all state requirements for health and safety warnings. That means anyone harmed by a pesticide would have a harder time claiming that the label failed to give proper warning under state law. Many environmental groups and community organizers strongly oppose the bill. About 20 people rallied at the Capitol before the Senate vote, braving cold weather and hail to voice their concerns. “These pesticides are dangerous,” said Zach Cassidy with the Dakota Resource Council. “They have unintended consequences, some of which we don’t know until decades after they come out. Look at what happened with asbestos.” Critics say the bill’s language was hard to understand and may have been written to avoid attention. Two large grassfires burning in North Dakota “If you read the bill, it doesn’t even sound like that big a deal — until you really dig into what it means,” Cassidy said. “I believe that was on purpose.” Sam Wagner, also with the Dakota Resource Council, said the public wasn’t given a full explanation of the bill’s impact while it moved through the House. Bayer, the company that owns Monsanto, has faced tens of thousands of lawsuits over its weed killer Roundup. Opponents believe that bills like HB 1318 are part of a larger effort by Bayer and similar companies to protect themselves from future legal claims. “We feel they’re pushing this legislation through because they are trying to cover their losses,” Wagner said. Supporters, including the U.S. Durum Growers Association, argue the bill helps protect access to pesticides that farmers rely on. They say federal oversight of labeling is already strong and effective. The bill will now return to the House for another vote. If signed into law, it would block state-level lawsuits over EPA-approved pesticide labels — marking a major shift in how pesticide-related harm can be challenged in North Dakota. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less