Bill > H655

This bill aims to protect pollinators by regulating the use of neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides that can be toxic to them. It defines key terms like "agricultural use," "horticultural use," and "blooming season," which is generally from March 1 to October 31, though the department can extend it. The bill restricts the distribution of neonicotinoids to certified applicators and prohibits their spraying, release, deposit, or application on any property except under specific conditions. During the blooming season, neonicotinoids can only be used for agricultural or horticultural purposes by trained and certified applicators. Outside the blooming season, any application must also be done by certified applicators. Before applying neonicotinoids, applicators must provide property owners with information about the risks, alternatives, and obtain an acknowledgment of understanding, unless the applicator owns the property. Plants treated with neonicotinoids must be clearly labeled with warnings. The bill also mandates biannual reviews of neonicotinoid use and research into new pesticides by a pesticide board subcommittee, which will publish a list of designated neonicotinoids annually. Furthermore, certified applicators using neonicotinoids will need to complete a training program on their risks and proper application techniques. The Department of Agricultural Resources will work with UMass to develop this training program by January 1, 2015, and will develop informational materials and acknowledgment forms by March 1, 2015. Penalties for violations will not be assessed until January 1, 2016.