Alerts!

H.4597 - An Act to Prevent the Use of the Most Dangerous Pesticides
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture
This bill establishes a pesticide advisory subcommittee to create a list of priority toxic pesticides that are recognized as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to development or reproduction when used as directed. The subcommittee is further directed to conduct public hearings and provide a 90-day open comment period in developing the list. It is also directed to update said list every two years or as health-related information becomes available regarding the toxicity of pesticides not on the list. The subcommittee members (7) are to be appointed by the Commissioner of the DAR within 3 months of the effective date of the act. The bill prohibits the use of listed pesticides, with the exception of usage in an agricultural setting. The bill also directs the DAR to establish a pesticide use reporting system, for Finally, the bill establishes a variety of penalties ranging from $1,000-$20,000 and/or six months in prison for violations of Chapter 132B.
Status: Pending before the House Committee on Ways and Means

S.2309 - An Act to Promote Sustainable Agriculture and the Use of Non-Toxic Pest Management
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture
This bill directs the IPM Program at UMass Amherst Extension to "work to reduce the use of toxic pest management methods in Massachusetts and provide education and training in pest prevention and integrated pest management, including non-toxic methods for pest control." The bill also establishes the Integrated Pest Management Fund to be controlled by the DAR for the implementation of the Children and Families Protection Act, and for fostering IPM programs. The Fund is to derive funding from: 1) The revenue created by the taxation of sales of pesticides; 2) No less than thirty percent of all revenue collected by the DAR from: (a) fees associated with the issuance of pesticide certificates and licenses, (b) for the registration of pesticides, (c) for issuing pesticide dealers' licenses, (d) for the issuance of experimental use permits, and (e) for violations of the provisions of Chapter 132B. The bill removes the exemption from the sales tax for the sale of pesticides but allows those licensed under Chapter 132B to remain exempt from said taxation.
Status: Pending before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means

 

Bullet Points

Attachments  4597: * Establishes an appointed subcommittee which would designate certain chemicals to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction when used as directed.  These chemicals would not be allowed on any public property including more schools, public housing, public fields, state propoerties, etc.  - This committee seems to have more power than the Pesticide Board which does an excellent job. * Establishes a Pesticide Use Reporting System which requires listing of exact locations, times and types of controls.  - A similar System included at the last minute in the Families Protection Act was rejected by a committee called in for their assessment. * Fines range from $1,000.00 to $20,000.00 with 6 months jail time * What is the cost of this legislation? 2309:   *  Calls for tax on retail sales of pesticides exempting licensed applicators, at least 30% of revenues collected from licensing fees, registration of pesticides, pesticide dealers licenses, and experimental use permits to create an IPM fund to assist in implementation of Families Protection Act.  Language directs Extension to work to reduce use of toxic pest management methods and provide training and education in pest prevention and IPM, including non-toxic methods for pest control. - University and Extension already teach all methods where appropriate.  - Unwise to create new mandates when basics are not being filled in a timely manner - License issuance still slow for many.  This bill could erode funding for DAR where funds are needed to improve the licensing process. - Why should legislature direct that which is taught at the university and Extension?