TENNESSEANS WIN AGAINST BAYER-MONSANTO

HB0809, Tennessee’s “Bayer-Monsanto Protection Act on Steroids” giving pesticide corporations immunity from pesticide-harm lawsuits was removed from the House Judiciary Committee calendar.

BACKGROUND: HB0809/SB0527 were once again being considered by the TN legislature for the 2026 legislative session. The bills, sponsored by Representative Rusty Grills (R-District 77) and Senator John Stevens (R-District 24), would give pesticide corporations immunity from lawsuits within the state when their products cause harm.

Co-sponsors in the TN Assembly: Rep. Rick Eldridge (R-District 10), Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-District 11), Rep. Chris Hurt (R-District 82), Rep. Renea Jones (R-District 4), Rep. Pat Marsh (R-District 62), Rep. Johnny Shaw (D-District 80), Rep. Chris Todd (R-District 80).

Co-sponsors in the TN Senate: Sen. Ed Jackson (R-District 25) and Sen. Ken Yager (R-District 12).

The House Judiciary Committee was scheduled to hear the proposed bill on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, but was "taken off notice" on the same day of the hearing.

That's not all. Likely due to the graphic we produced and shared on social media (below), the bill even lost one co-sponsor—the lone Democrat, Rep. Johnny Shaw (D-District 80) no longer appears as a co-sponsor.

THE FINE PRINT: As they say, “It’s not over ‘til it’s over.” Politicians in Bayer’s pocket will re-introduce this bill when they think Tennesseans aren’t paying attention. It’s important for Tennessee residents to keep sending emails demanding that immunity for pesticide manufacturers is unacceptable. Vote for Bayer. Lose your job.

Thanks to all of our Tennessee supporters who took action, all of the local groups fighting against pesticide-harm immunity in the state, and all of our supporters across the country that shared the action by email or on social media. It takes a village!

We'll be sending out an updated blog and actions soon for the other states where Bayer is lobbying for pesticide-harm immunity.

We can stop Bayer when we all work together.

In solidarity,
The GMO/Toxin free USA Team

GMO/Toxin Free USA is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. GMO Free USA’s federal tax ID number is 46-4564177. Donations can be made HERE.

Donations by check may be mailed to:
GMO Free USA
PO Box 8273
New Fairfield, CT 06812

NOTE: Many people choose to give from their assets – grants from their Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), stocks, gifts from their IRA, and cryptocurrency to see even larger tax savings.  To donate from DAFs, stocks, or cryptocurrency, go HERE.

Did you know that ​​over 24,000 companies, including corporations, foundations, nonprofits and associations, offer matching gift programs? Requesting a match is usually as easy as submitting a simple form. We recommend submitting your request right after you donate to GMO Free USA. Some companies have time limits for matching gift requests.