Kentucky's Republican-led General Assembly has overridden Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of a bill granting pesticide manufacturers immunity from lawsuits alleging their products cause cancer. The move comes as Bayer, which owns the Roundup weedkiller brand, faces tens of thousands of claims linking its glyphosate-based herbicide to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The legislation, Senate Bill 199, passed both chambers with Republican support, despite Beshear's objections that it would undermine consumer protections. The veto override occurred just weeks before the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a case that could establish nationwide liability protections for companies like Bayer.
Bayer is also seeking approval for a $7.25 billion settlement in Missouri to resolve outstanding Roundup-related claims. The company disputes allegations that glyphosate causes cancer, citing regulatory approvals and scientific studies supporting its safety. However, plaintiffs and some health advocates argue that Bayer failed to adequately warn users about potential risks.
The debate over Roundup's safety has divided political and public health factions, including supporters of former President Donald Trump and the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement. The case highlights broader tensions between corporate liability and public health concerns in agricultural practices.