The Missouri House recently passed a measure that would protect herbicide producer Bayer from certain legal scrutiny, specifically in relation to its Roundup weedkiller containing glyphosate. The bill sponsor, State Rep. Dane Diehl, argued that using a U.S.-produced and regulated product is better than a foreign-made generic alternative. However, concerns were raised by various lawmakers, including Rep. Mark Matthiesen, who expressed worries about consumer safety and the ability to sue if needed. Bayer has faced billions in settlements due to claims of glyphosate causing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Trial lawyers opposing the bill believe it would prevent them from suing the company for failure to warn consumers about the product’s risks. Bayer, on the other hand, argues that the EPA should determine safety standards and not a jury. The EPA has deemed glyphosate as “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” Despite the House approval, the legislation still needs another vote before moving to the Senate for consideration. Similar legislation failed last year in the Senate, as lawmakers tied to the trial attorney industry did not support it. The bill, known as HB 544, has sparked debate regarding consumer protection and the role of the EPA in regulating potentially harmful chemicals.
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