PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 28, 1999
Plant Protection Act - Title I: Plant Protection - Prohibits a person from importing, exporting, or moving in interstate commerce an unauthorized plant pest. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit such introduction or movement. Prohibits the unauthorized mailing, and knowing delivery by a mail carrier, of plant pests.(Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary to restrict the importation, movement, and means of conveyance of plants, plant products, biological control organisms, plant pests, and noxious weeds in order to prevent their U.S. introduction and interstate movement.Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to publish lists of noxious weeds and biological control agents; and (2) private petitions to add or remove listings.(Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to notify the Secretary of such articles'arrival, and hold them at the port of entry until inspected and authorized for U.S. movement by the Secretary. Prohibits a person from moving unauthorized and uninspected articles from a port of entry or interstate.(Sec. 104) Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to take specified remedial and emergency measures either directly or by the owner, including treatment or disposal, to avoid dissemination of a plant pest or noxious weed; and (2) owner compensation for unauthorized disposals.(Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to carry out a grasshopper and Mormon Cricket control program, including: (1) cost sharing for State and private land; and (2) personnel training.(Sec. 108) Authorizes the Secretary to make phytosanitary export certificates based upon foreign requirements.Title II: Inspection and Enforcement - Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) inspections, warrants, and seizures, (2) information collection; (3) subpoena authority; (4) criminal and civil penalties; and (5) enforcement authority of the Attorney General.Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into reimbursable fee agreements for preclearance outside the United States.(Sec. 304) States that this Act shall not apply to U.S. postal employees in the course of their duties.(Sec. 306) Repeals specified Acts.
People & committees
Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID] · R–ID
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1081-1082)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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