Bill > LD1697

This bill aims to increase penalties and strengthen regulations surrounding pesticide use in Maine by modifying existing laws. Specifically, the bill significantly raises fines for violations of pesticide regulations, creating a tiered penalty system with higher monetary consequences for repeat offenders and substantial violations. For general pesticide violations, the maximum fine increases from $1,500 to $10,000, with the potential for up to $50,000 if the violator is found to have substantially benefited from the unauthorized application. Repeat offenders face even higher penalties, with fines escalating to $75,000 and $150,000 depending on the circumstances. The bill also increases penalties for private applicators, raising fines from $500 to $1,000 for first-time violations and from $1,000 to $2,000 for subsequent violations within a four-year period. Additionally, the bill requires the Board of Pesticides Control to develop new rules, including establishing a transparent penalty schedule, creating mechanisms for civil suits in cases of pesticide migration, providing for property restoration as a penalty, and designating certain pesticides like tebuthiuron as state restricted use pesticides.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1697&snum=132