Rep. Reneau Stands Up for Cottage Food Industry While Opposing Pesticide Immunity Bill

State Rep. Michele Reneau recently spoke about a controversial bill aimed at giving pesticide companies immunity from certain lawsuits. She believes this legislation is unpopular with the public and worries it will pass without significant citizen input.

“The general public likely opposes it,” she shared during a meeting with the Civitan Club. “We shouldn’t grant immunity to any company.”

The bill will be revisited in January 2026 after some unexpected delays in the legislative process. It would shield pesticide manufacturers from claims if their products are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, with Bayer’s Roundup currently in the spotlight.

Reneau expressed concern over the supermajority in the House. She noted that bills often pass before constituents can weigh in. “If people don’t make their voices heard, this bill is likely to slide through,” she said.

During her short time in the General Assembly, she learned that most discussions are ineffective if they occur too late in the process. Engaging with subcommittee members before a bill reaches the House floor is crucial.

Yet, contacting legislators outside of one’s district can be challenging. “If you want to be effective, be a resource,” she advised. Legislators often lack specialized knowledge on many issues. By providing research and personal insights, constituents can make a difference.

Reneau encouraged voters to express their concerns clearly. Including personal information, like a phone number, can help representatives reach out with questions.

Politics, in her view, is more about relationships than science. She emphasized the need to know your legislators better, citing her own learning experiences with healthcare professionals.

The pace of new laws can be overwhelming, she noted, and sometimes essential details get overlooked. This can lead to poorly written laws that need fixing later.

On a brighter note, Reneau highlighted the growing interest in the Cottage Food Industry. More people are looking for homemade food options instead of mass-produced goods. She recently backed an expansion of the Food Freedom Act, aiming to allow more entrepreneurs in this space.

“Deregulation opens doors for many,” she said, emphasizing the opportunities it creates, especially in rural areas with fewer resources.

As the new session approaches, Reneau plans to share updates about upcoming legislation on social media, inviting Tennesseans to engage early in the legislative process.

For more insights into her voting record, you can check out her weekly reports on her official website.

Engagement and communication make all the difference in today’s political landscape.



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