Bill > HB2998

This bill requires voter approval before municipalities or counties can conduct mass pesticide applications, which are defined as pesticide treatments using motor vehicles or mechanical devices. Under the proposed legislation, local governments would need to hold a specific election where residents vote to approve or reject such pesticide applications, with approval requiring a majority vote. The bill defines "pesticide" according to the Agriculture Code and specifies that if a pesticide application occurs entirely within a municipality's boundaries, only that municipality's voters need to approve it, not the county's voters. The local governing body can initiate this election, and the ballot must clearly present the option to vote for or against the mass pesticide application. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2025, giving local governments time to prepare for the new voter approval requirement. This legislation aims to provide residents with direct democratic input into potentially significant environmental and public health decisions involving pesticide use in their communities.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2998