Bill > H124

This bill aims to improve pesticide protections for schoolchildren in Massachusetts by expanding and clarifying restrictions on pesticide use near schools and child care facilities. The bill modifies existing law to include additional properties under pesticide use restrictions, such as facilities operated by the Department of Children and Families, juvenile court facilities, Department of Youth Services facilities, and sports fields for town youth teams. It extends the restricted area to include properties within 150 feet of schools and child care centers, including abutting properties. The bill also specifies that these restrictions apply regardless of whether the property is owned by a public or private entity. Most significantly, the bill mandates that schools, child care centers, and other educational institutions can only use pesticide products that are either exempt by the US Environmental Protection Agency or contain active ingredients listed in a specific national organic standards list. The bill allows for a hardship waiver to be granted by the department for pesticide use that does not meet these strict qualifications, providing some flexibility while prioritizing child safety.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H124