State of the States, Part 1: Legislative Activity on Seed Policy

State legislatures are considering a wide array of proposals touching seeds, pesticides, technology, environmental reporting, and on farm practices. As lawmakers explore new approaches to regulating systemic insecticides and related regulatory gaps, treated seed continues to surface as one of several recurring themes.

From coast to coast, ASTA’s state government affairs team has put together a two-part series to bring our members the latest from what’s happening in state capitals. This is the first part of that series, highlighting activity in Colorado, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

Colorado

HB26‑1270: Agricultural Data Ownership

HB26-1270 sought to clarify ownership and control of agricultural data generated through precision agriculture technologies. While not directly tied to pesticide coated seeds, the bill touched on broader themes of accountability, transparency, and the role of emerging technologies in modern farming. The measure did not advance, leaving unresolved questions about how data governance intersects with pesticide use, seed technology, and on-farm decision making. It also raises questions about agricultural data rights and how state governments will legislate them. The bill was postponed indefinitely.

SB26‑065: The SEED Act

SB26-065 represented one of the most ambitious state-level attempts to regulate insecticide treated seeds. The proposal would have required growers to demonstrate a verifiable pest risk before using treated seed.

Key provisions included:

• Third-party verification of pest pressure
• Annual certification requirements
• Expanded state oversight of treated seed use

Supporters argued the bill would better align pesticide applications with actual agronomic need and reduce unintended environmental exposure, particularly for pollinators and water resources. Opponents raised concerns about regulatory burden, reduced flexibility, and the practicality of implementing verification requirements at scale. The bill was ultimately defeated in committee with bipartisan opposition. The Colorado legislative session is scheduled to adjourn by May 13.

Connecticut

HB5155: Pesticide Use Transparency

HB5155 focuses on improving statewide pesticide use reporting rather than imposing new restrictions. The bill would require the creation of a publicly accessible database capturing pesticide applications, including treated seeds, which are typically exempt from reporting under federal law. By expanding data collection and transparency, the proposal aims to provide policymakers, researchers, and the public with a clearer understanding of how and where treated seeds are used, laying groundwork for future regulatory discussions. This bill has not seen movement since its hearing. The Connecticut legislative session adjourned May 6.

New Hampshire

HB1086: Restrictions on Neonicotinoid‑Treated Seeds

HB1086 initially proposed prohibiting the use of neonicotinoid-treated seeds for major row crops, including corn and soybeans. Over the course of committee deliberations, the bill was significantly narrowed through amendments in response to concerns from agricultural stakeholders. The evolution of HB1086 illustrates the challenge of advancing broad restrictions in states with active farming sectors, even as policymakers grapple with growing public attention to pollinator health and environmental risk. The bill was amended to a two-year study and carried over to the Senate. The New Hampshire legislative session is scheduled to adjourn by June 30.

ASTA is actively engaged across this full spectrum of issues and continues to work with our state and national partners to amplify the voice of the seed industry. To learn more about ASTA’s state government affairs work, or to get involved, contact ASTA’s Jordan Gregory.