By Rebecca Smith, MVLA Contributor, March 13, 2025
Idaho’s House Bill 303 is being debated as a way to protect businesses from lawsuits related to pesticides, agricultural chemicals, and biotech products. While well-intended, the bill goes too far—granting broad legal immunity to companies, even if new scientific evidence later proves their products are harmful.
If passed as written, HB 303 would:
❌ Prevent Idaho consumers harmed by these products from seeking compensation.
❌ Allow companies to avoid accountability, even if they knew of safety risks.
❌ Remove the incentive for businesses to improve product safety or warnings.
There’s a better way to protect both businesses and consumers: The Idaho Consumer Protection Fund (CPF).
The Solution: The Idaho Consumer Protection Fund (CPF)
Rather than choosing between corporate immunity or endless lawsuits, Idaho can adopt a balanced, business-friendly approach that ensures:
✔ Quick and fair compensation for harmed consumers—without years of litigation.
✔ Legal stability for businesses—replacing unpredictable lawsuits with a predictable fund contribution system.
✔ Accountability for bad actors—if companies hide risks or refuse safety updates, they lose their immunity and can be sued.
How the Consumer Protection Fund Works
Industry-Funded, State-Managed:
Companies selling regulated agricultural or chemical products contribute a small percentage of revenue into a state-managed fund.
Independent Review Process:
If a consumer is harmed, they submit a claim with medical documentation.
An independent board (scientists, doctors, consumer advocates) reviews the case within 60-90 days.
Take action on this bill here and other bills at the MVLA War Room
