“To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties for the reckless importation or handling of dangerous agricultural pathogens.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes a new federal criminal offense under Title 18, U.S. Code, for knowingly or recklessly importing a biological agent, toxin, or organism designated as a high-risk agricultural pathogen—without a required permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or other appropriate agency—punishable by fine, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Imprisonment increases to up to 20 years if the offense (1) involves concealment of origin, (2) is committed by a person acting on behalf of or funded by a foreign government, or (3) results in economic damage exceeding $1 million. The section defines "recklessly" as consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk of significant harm to U.S. crops, livestock, or agricultural ecosystems and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate high-risk agricultural pathogens by regulation.