The People Over Poison Act (H.R. 9528) is a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) on June 29, 2026. The bill aims to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to ensure that individuals can sue pesticide manufacturers in state courts if they believe they were harmed due to misleading or inadequate product labels. This legislation clarifies that federal law does not prevent such state-level lawsuits, thereby holding pesticide companies accountable for their labeling practices.
Supporters of the People Over Poison Act commend the bill for strengthening consumer rights and enhancing corporate accountability. They argue that it empowers individuals harmed by pesticides to seek justice in state courts, ensuring that companies cannot hide behind federal preemption to avoid responsibility for misleading labels. This move is seen as a necessary step to protect public health and promote transparency in the pesticide industry.
Critics express concerns that the People Over Poison Act could lead to a surge in lawsuits against pesticide manufacturers, potentially resulting in increased costs for the industry and consumers. They argue that allowing state-level lawsuits may create a patchwork of regulations, complicating compliance for companies operating nationwide. Additionally, some believe that the bill could undermine the authority of federal agencies like the EPA in regulating pesticide labeling and safety standards.
While there are no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donor industries, the lobbying activity in the policy area raises some concerns. Notably, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy contributed $144,981, which may have interests aligned with healthcare regulations and pharmaceutical policies. Additionally, Altria Client Services, with a $40,000 contribution, represents the tobacco industry, which could be indirectly impacted by public health initiatives related to the bill. The presence of substantial lobbying from organizations like Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and others indicates that various stakeholders are invested in the outcomes of this legislation, which could create a perception of conflict, even if direct financial ties are absent. Voters should be aware of the potential influence these donors may have on the legislative process.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY | AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY | $144,981 |
| ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES | MCGUIREWOODS CONSULTING (A SUBSIDIARY OF MCGUIREWOODS LLP) | $40,000 |
| CROHN'S & COLITIS FOUNDATION | CROHN'S & COLITIS FOUNDATION | $40,000 |
| GOTRIANGLE | MCGUIREWOODS CONSULTING (A SUBSIDIARY OF MCGUIREWOODS LLP) | $30,000 |
| AFRICAN AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF CDFI CEOS | MCGUIREWOODS CONSULTING (A SUBSIDIARY OF MCGUIREWOODS LLP) | $20,000 |
| BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB | ALEXANDER J. BECKLES, L.L.C. | $20,000 |
| CITY OF GLADEWATER, TEXAS | LONE STAR CONSULTING, LLC | $12,000 |
| CITY OF CRANDALL, TEXAS | LONE STAR CONSULTING, LLC | $10,000 |
| CITY OF JUSTIN, TEXAS | LONE STAR CONSULTING, LLC | $10,000 |
| THE LIVINGSTON GROUP ON BEHALF OF INNOVATIVE VACCINE TECHNOLOGIES | MAGILL ASSOCIATES, LLC | undisclosed |
| OPPORTUNITIES INDUSTRIALIZATION CENTER OF AMERICA, INC. | MCGUIREWOODS CONSULTING (A SUBSIDIARY OF MCGUIREWOODS LLP) | undisclosed |
| LUMBEE TRIBE HOLDINGS, INC. | MCGUIREWOODS CONSULTING (A SUBSIDIARY OF MCGUIREWOODS LLP) | undisclosed |
| CITY OF CLEVELAND, TEXAS | LONE STAR CONSULTING, LLC | undisclosed |
| CITY OF RIO HONDO, TEXAS | LONE STAR CONSULTING, LLC | undisclosed |
| HOWARD COUNTY, TEXAS | LONE STAR CONSULTING, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Chellie Pingree, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
