Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act

“175c. Reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens.

“(a) Offense—Whoever knowingly or recklessly imports a biological agent, toxin, or organism—

“(1) without the required permit or authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or other appropriate agency; and

“(2) where such agent, toxin, or organism is designated by regulation as a high-risk agricultural pathogen capable of causing significant harm to U.S. crops, livestock, or agricultural ecosystems,

“(b) Aggravating factors—If the offense:

“(1) involves concealment of origin;

“(2) is committed by a person acting on behalf of, or funded by, a foreign government; or

“(3) results in actual economic damage exceeding $1,000,000;

“(c) Definitions—In this section:

“(1) the term “recklessly” means the person consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the pathogen could cause significant harm.

“(2) the term “high-risk agricultural pathogen” shall be defined by the Secretary of Agriculture and published via regulation.”