Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Preventing Lethal Agricultural and National Threats (PLANT) Act.

Sec. 2. Reckless importation of dangerous agricultural pathogens

Title 18 U.S.C. is amended by inserting after section 175b the following:

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,

Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

(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;

Then the term of imprisonment may be up to 20 years.

(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.