HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2564

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                    Environmental Affairs

Title:  An act relating to the development of integrated pesticide management programs.

Brief Description:  Requiring the adoption of integrated pest management programs.

Sponsors:  Representatives Wolfe, Romero, Rust and Pruitt.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Environmental Affairs, February 3, 1994, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives Rust, Chair; Flemming, Vice Chair; Bray; Holm; L. Johnson; J. Kohl; Linville and Roland.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 6 members:  Representatives Horn, Ranking Minority Member; Van Luven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Edmondson; Foreman; Hansen and Sheahan.

Staff:  Rick Anderson (786-7114).

Background:  The term "integrated pest management" refers to a strategy of pest control that allows for the use of several types of control practices, including biological and mechanical controls, cultural practices, and pesticide use. 

There are no state laws that require the use of integrated pest management.  An existing state law relating to sustainable agriculture defines integrated pest management, in part, as a strategy "to achieve satisfactory control and ensurable favorable economic and environmental consequences."

The Pesticide Incident Reporting and Tracking Panel (PIRT) was created in 1989 to centralize pesticide data collection, monitor response to pesticide incidents, and to make recommendations for pesticide investigation procedures.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Department of Health is directed to develop a model integrated pest management program for use by school districts and libraries.  School districts and libraries are required to adopt an integrated pest management program by June 30, 1997.  Schools and libraries may use the program developed by the department in whole or in part.  In preparing its program, the department must consult with the public, numerous state agencies, and universities.  The department must provide technical assistance to schools and libraries in coordination with the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Service and other entities. 

For the purposes of the school and library program, integrated pest management is defined, in part, as a strategy "least hazardous to human health and the environment."

The authority of the Department of Agriculture to control pests on agricultural land and the authority of the Department of Health to protect public health are not affected by the provisions of this legislation.  The Pesticide Incident Reporting and Tracking Panel is directed to review and make recommendations on model integrated pest management programs developed by schools and libraries.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  References to areas of high public use are deleted to clarify that only schools and libraries are required to adopt an integrated pest management program.  Schools and libraries are allowed three years to adopt an integrated pest management program instead of one year as provided in the original bill.  The substitute bill deletes a requirement that the Department of Health provide grants to schools and libraries.  The substitute bill specifies that the existing authorities of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health are not affected by this legislation.  Appropriations to the Department of Health and the Washington State University are reduced.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 24, 1994.

Appropriations:  An appropriation of $175,000 is provided to the Department of Health to develop a model program and to coordinate technical assistance; an appropriation of $75,000 is provided to Washington State University to give technical assistance to schools and libraries.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Pesticides and children do not mix.  Schools and libraries need to re-think and re-work the way pests are controlled in these areas.

Testimony Against: The Department of Agriculture, not the Department of Health, is the appropriate agency to develop integrated pest management programs.  The definition of "integrated pest management" in this bill is not scientifically based.

Witnesses:  Representative Cathy Wolfe, sponsor (pro); Cha Smith, Washington Toxics (pro); Mark Swartout, Thurston County CEP (pro); Bruce Briggs, Washington nursery owner (con); Bill Brookreson, Department of Agriculture (concerns); Sheila Sandwick, teacher (pro); Richard Parkin, Environmental Protection Association (pro); Alan Schreiber, Washington State University (undeclared); Enid Layes, Washington AgriBusiness Coalition (con); Eric Slagle, Department of Health (pro concept); and Larry Rus, Department of Transportation (undeclared).