Bill
Bill > H5216
RI H5216
RI H5216Restricts application of pesticides and rodenticides at schools and child care centers and requires schools to provide copies of notice to parents and guardians.
summary
Introduced
01/29/2025
01/29/2025
In Committee
01/29/2025
01/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/20/2025
06/20/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would prohibit the application of lawn care pesticides or rodenticides on the grounds of any public or private pre-school or public or private school with students in grade twelve (12) or lower, except in an emergency situation or to be used on the playing fields and playgrounds of the school as well as pre-schools and child care centers pursuant to an integrated pest management plan as developed by the department of environmental management and the department of health and would create a task force to study health risks of PFAS in athletic fields to students who use them. This act would also require a school department to provide a copy of the pesticide or rodenticide application notice sent to parents and guardians to the department of education. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill restricts the application of lawn care pesticides and rodenticides at schools, pre-schools, and child care centers in Rhode Island, with several key provisions taking effect between 2026 and 2027. Starting July 1, 2026, the bill prohibits applying lawn care pesticides or rodenticides on school grounds, with exceptions for emergency situations and applications on playing fields and playgrounds under an integrated pest management plan. The bill requires schools to provide parents, teachers, and staff with information about pesticide applications, including sending copies of pesticide application notices to the department of education. It also mandates that schools maintain detailed records of pesticide applications and store pesticide containers securely. Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to investigate potential health risks associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in artificial athletic fields, with a requirement to report findings to state leadership by January 1, 2028. The bill aims to reduce children's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and improve transparency around pest control practices in educational settings.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 02/12/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/HouseText25/H5216.pdf |
Loading...