ANALYSIS OF HB 1127

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee       January 29, 1997

BACKGROUND:

The Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources was created by statute at Washington State University.  (RCW 15.92.020.)  State law directs that among the center's primary activities are research programs which focus on developing possible alternative production and marketing systems through integrated pest management. (RCW 15.92.030(1)(a).)

SUMMARY:

Within a year, each of the following must implement integrated pest management practices when carrying out their duties related to pest control:  the departments of Agriculture, Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, Transportation, Natural Resources, Corrections, and General Administration; the Parks and Recreation Commission; the State Noxious Weed Control Board; and each state institution of higher education (for the institution's own building and grounds maintenance).  (Section 3.)  Each must provide integrated pest management training for employees responsible for pest management and designate an integrated pest management coordinator to manage the program.  (Section 4.) 

An Interagency Integrated Pest Management Coordinating Committee (IIPMC) is created.  The committee is composed of the integrated pest management coordinators of the agencies and institutions.  The coordinator from the Department of Agriculture serves as the chair of the committee. (Section 5(1).)  Coordinators must report annually to the committee regarding the pest management programs of their agencies.  (Section 4(2)(b).)

The IIPMC Committee must advise the state agencies and institutions, and facilitate interagency coordination for each state agency's or institution's integrated pest management program.  The committee must review the pest management programs of the entities represented on the committee.  It must meet four times a year, following public notice.  All meetings of the committee must be open to the public.  (Section 5(2)&(3).) 

The Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the IIPMC Committee, must submit reports :to the Legislature biennially regarding the integrated pest management programs.  (Section 5(4).)