Bill > S398

This bill aims to prevent the use of the most dangerous pesticides by establishing a Pesticide Advisory Subcommittee responsible for creating and updating a list of "priority toxic pesticides" that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to development or reproduction. The bill also redefines "Integrated Pest Management" (IPM) to emphasize minimizing public health risks and environmental damage through a comprehensive strategy that reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, and it expands the definitions of terms like "Health care facility," "Hospital," "Public building," "Public housing," and "Retailer." Importantly, the bill prohibits the use of priority toxic pesticides in public buildings, schools, daycare centers, hospitals, health care facilities, and public housing, and restricts their use by certified pesticide applicators except in commercial agricultural settings. Furthermore, it mandates the creation of a pesticide use reporting system to collect and make public data on pesticide sales and applications, with specific deadlines for its implementation and a requirement for consistent data formatting and online posting. The bill also outlines penalties for violations, including fines and potential imprisonment, and grants superior courts jurisdiction to enforce compliance.