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House overrides veto to ban neonicotinoid-treated seeds and curb other uses
Summary
By roll-call the House overrode the governor’s veto of H.706 to restrict neonicotinoid pesticides in Vermont, with proponents citing pollinator harms and opponents warning of economic harm to farmers; recorded vote 114‑31 with 145 present.
The Vermont House overrode the governor’s veto of H.706, a bill that restricts use of neonicotinoid insecticides, including banning treated corn and soybean seed and phasing in certain outdoor use prohibitions on a schedule that includes a five-year transition for treated seeds.
Member from Dorset argued the bill follows scientific evidence of harm to pollinators and mirrors recent action in New York; he said treated seeds do not provide economic benefit to corn and soybean growers but do harm bees and native pollinators.
An opposing Member warned the research is mixed and said the Environmental Protection Agency has approved neonics; the opponent argued the ban would place Vermont farmers at a competitive disadvantage, complicate seed sourcing and could reduce cover-crop practices. The opponent cited data claiming a 30% increase in Vermont honeybee colonies between 2017 and 2022 and warned of risks to farm survival and feed supplies.
The clerk recorded 145 members present and announced the roll-call tally as 114 yes and 31 no, meeting the two-thirds requirement; the House ordered its action messaged to the Senate.
Next steps: the House messaged its override to the Senate and implementation details and any exemptions/exceptions in the enacted law will be addressed in regulations and further guidance.
