Paraquat herbicide

AN ACT Relating to the use of paraquat; adding a new section to 1
chapter 15.58 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an effective 2
date. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that:5
(1) Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative 6
disorder that leads to a range of symptoms that worsen over time, 7
imposing significant health, caregiving, and economic burdens on 8
individuals, families, and communities. Researchers believe that 9
Parkinson's disease arises from a combination of genetic, 10
environmental, and aging-related factors. Mounting scientific 11
evidence has identified associations between environmental exposures, 12
including certain pesticides, and an elevated risk of Parkinson's 13
disease. 14
(2) Environmental risk factors, including occupational exposures 15
in agricultural and rural settings, have been scientifically linked 16
with the increased likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease and 17
paraquat dichloride has been identified in peer-reviewed literature 18
as associated with higher Parkinson's risk estimates among exposed 19
populations. 20
S-4342.1
SENATE BILL 6330
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Senators Liias, Saldaña, Dhingra, and Valdez
Read first time 01/29/26. Referred to Committee on Agriculture &
Natural Resources.
p. 1 SB 6330
(3) Washington's agricultural economy depends on the 1
contributions of farmworkers, pesticide handlers, and rural 2
communities, and that these workers and residents may experience 3
disproportionate exposure to chemical agents suspected of 4
contributing to Parkinson's disease risk. Protecting the health and 5
safety of agricultural workers and all Washington residents is a 6
matter of statewide public health concern. 7
(4) Alternative weed management practices and herbicidal tools 8
are available and used in agricultural production, providing options 9
for effective crop management while reducing reliance on chemical 10
agents associated with health risks. 11
(5) It is in the best interest of Washington to protect public 12
health by reducing preventable exposure to paraquat and to support 13
the transition to safer and sustainable agricultural practices while 14
preserving the long-term vitality of Washington agriculture.15
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 15.58 16
RCW to read as follows: 17
(1) A person may not use, sell, distribute, apply, or handle any 18
herbicide containing paraquat. The director may authorize the limited 19
use of paraquat for research conducted under strict safety and 20
reporting protocols. 21
(2) The director may adopt rules to implement and enforce this 22
section. 23
(3) For the purposes of this section, "paraquat" means paraquat 24
dichloride or any other chemical form of paraquat.25
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act takes effect January 1, 2027.26
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p. 2 SB 6330