DES MOINES, Iowa — For two years in a row, what protesters coined the ‘Cancer Gag Act’ will not make it through the Iowa House.
The Iowa Senate advanced the bill just a week ago with a slim margin: 26 voting for it and 21 against. The bill states that registered pesticide companies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that have had labeling approved by the EPA shall be sufficient to satisfy requirements for a warning regarding health or safety. It also states that the bill shall not be interpreted to prohibit a cause of action, which is grounds for a lawsuit.
The Speaker of the Iowa House told members of the media that it will not be moving forward with the bill at this time.
“I think at this point in time, there’s not support within the caucus for that bill,” said Speaker Pat Grassley (R), District 57 from New Hartford. “And I think the caucus just in a position where they’re not sure that they can support it at this point in time.”
The Iowa Senate President was disappointed once again that the Republican House caucus did not move the bill through committee level to make it funnel-proof.
Wild Lights at Blank Park Zoo returns this weekend
“I suppose the House can be entitled to their wrong opinion. I believe wholeheartedly that the bill we passed doesn’t prevent anybody from seeking justice if they’re damaged by a company. But I also believe that to have a proper system of justice, we have to make sure that individuals or companies can’t be sued for following the law.”
Cancer rates have shot up in the state over recent years and many Iowans have taken action against companies like Bayer, who produces RoundUp, which is why some protested at the statehouse just this week for the bill not to advance through the second funnel. Bayer has disputed the claims of RoundUp causing cancer, while paying out billions of dollars to settle previous lawsuits.
Democratic leadership in both chambers are glad that the bill seems to be dead again this year.
“I think it would be a really positive thing for Iowans if the pesticide bill does not move forward,” said Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner (D), District 45 from Iowa City. “It was, from our read of it on the Senate side, it’s really an immunity bill. And once you give one set of companies immunity, others are going to be lining up for it.”
“I think it’s pretty telling that even Republicans in the House, that giving immunity to pesticide companies in a state that has skyrocketing cancer rates is not a good idea. And I’m thrilled to see that, hopefully, we won’t be debating that this year,” said House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst (D), District 32 from Windsor Heights.
While the bill did not meet the second funnel week deadline, there are still ways for bill to be brought back up later in session.
Iowa News:
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
