Bill > H629

This bill modifies the composition and responsibilities of the state mosquito-borne disease control board, referred to as "the board." Currently, the board is made up of employees from various departments, and this bill clarifies that it will consist of one employee each from the departments of environmental protection, agricultural resources, and fish and game, all designated by their respective commissioners, along with two employees from the department of public health, one of whom must focus on environmental health. The bill also significantly expands the board's duties to include regulating and overseeing all mosquito and related nuisance organism management activities across the state, developing a statewide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) mosquito plan that prioritizes public education, and reviewing and approving IPM mosquito management plans submitted by local mosquito districts or projects. Furthermore, the board will establish policies and procedures for mosquito management to combat vector-borne diseases, advise the governor during public health emergencies caused by disease-bearing mosquitoes, conduct investigations, maintain records, and implement mosquito management programs when a large portion of the state is impacted.