Fellow Tennesseans, especially those in Sevier County – the time to act is now. HB0809, a bill that’s been lurking in the shadows since last year, is set for a critical committee vote this Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the House Judiciary Committee. This legislation isn’t about safeguarding our farmers or everyday citizens; it’s a blatant handout to massive agricultural corporations, shielding them from accountability while leaving individual Tennesseans exposed to harm. Tomorrow, January 20, is the deadline to make your voice heard – don’t wait, contact your representatives today!
What HB0809 Really Does: Immunity for Big Ag, Not Protection for You
At its core, HB0809 amends Tennessee law to grant broad legal immunity to pesticide manufacturers and sellers. If a pesticide is registered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the EPA under federal law, and it bears an EPA-approved label at the time of sale, these companies can’t be held liable in civil lawsuits for issues related to labeling – including failure-to-warn claims. That means if a product like Roundup or other herbicides causes health problems, such as cancer, the makers are off the hook as long as they followed federal labeling rules.
This isn’t hypothetical. Companies like Bayer (owner of Monsanto) have faced billions in lawsuits over products that allegedly cause serious illnesses, yet this bill would slam the door on Tennesseans seeking justice in our state courts. Critics, including trial lawyers and consumer advocates, argue it erodes public safety and prioritizes corporate profits over people. And let’s be clear: this bill does nothing to protect individual farmers, workers, or consumers who might suffer from exposure. Instead, it creates a shield for giants in the industry, many of which have troubling foreign ties.
The CCP Connection: Foreign Ownership in Big Ag
A significant concern with HB0809 is how it benefits Big Ag companies with deep links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). While Bayer is German-owned, other major players in agriculture and pesticides are under CCP influence. For instance, Syngenta, a leading global pesticide and seed company, is owned by ChemChina, a state-controlled entity directly tied to the CCP. Similarly, Smithfield Foods, the largest pork producer in the U.S., is owned by WH Group, a Chinese conglomerate with obligations to report back to the CCP. These firms aren’t just operating in Tennessee – they’re embedded in our food supply chain, and bills like this could further insulate them from accountability for potential harms.
Why should Tennessee law provide a safe harbor for entities that may prioritize foreign interests over American health and safety? We’ve seen how CCP-linked companies scoop up U.S. farmland and agribusiness, controlling everything from pork processing to chemical production. HB0809 exacerbates this by limiting our ability to hold them responsible in court, potentially putting our local economy, environment, and public health at greater risk.
This Bill Serves Nashville’s Corporate Lobby, Not Sevier County’s People
Remember, our legislators were elected to represent us – the hardworking folks of Sevier County and beyond – not the deep-pocketed lobbyists in Nashville. Farm Bureau and Bayer representatives pushed for this bill, not because it helps small farmers, but because it protects their bottom line. Tennesseans deserve better. We need laws that ensure accountability, not ones that strip away our rights to seek justice when harmed.
Sevier County Residents: Contact Reps. Atchley and Farmer NOW!
If you live in Sevier County, your voice matters most. Representatives Fred Atchley (District 12) and Andrew Farmer (District 17) are key players here. Call or email them today and urge them to vote NO on HB0809 in Wednesday’s committee vote. Remind them: You were elected to stand for the people of Sevier County, not corporate interests in Nashville. Kill this bill before it harms our communities!
- Rep. Fred Atchley
Phone: (615) 741-5981
Email: rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov - Rep. Andrew Farmer
Phone: (615) 741-4419
Email: rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Tomorrow is the deadline – pick up the phone or send that email right away. Share this post with friends, family, and neighbors. Together, we can stop HB0809 and ensure Tennessee remains a state that puts its people first. Act now!