SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 3068
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Agriculture & Environment, February 25, 1998
Title: An act relating to a pilot project for limited private applicator licenses and rancher private applicator licenses.
Brief Description: Regarding a pilot project for limited private applicator licenses and rancher private applicator licenses.
Sponsors: Representatives McMorris and Chandler.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture & Environment: 2/18/98, 2/25/98 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Morton, Chair; Swecker, Vice Chair; Newhouse, Oke and Rasmussen.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Fraser and McAuliffe.
Staff: Paul Mabrey (786-7412)
Background: A pesticide licensing pilot project was authorized under legislation enacted in 1997. The intent of the project was to provide licenses for the application of restricted use herbicides to control weeds in Ferry and Okanogan counties. The license is called a limited private applicator's license and it permits the licensee to apply herbicides to control weeds on his or her own non-production agricultural land and on the non-production agricultural land of another person if it is done without compensation other than the trading of personal services. The application of herbicides to aquatic sites is not permitted under such a license; nor is the use of a powered apparatus in applying the herbicides.
The application and examination requirements, as well as the fee for a limited private applicator are the same as for a private applicator; however, the continuing education requirements are different for the limited private applicator license. A person who successfully completes these requirements is deemed to have met the credit accumulation requirements for private applicators.
The pilot project is to expire December 31, 2002.
Summary of Bill: The pilot project authorized by 1997 legislation is extended through the year 2003. The project is expanded to encompass a new licensing category, rancher private applicator.
A person licensed as a rancher private applicator has generally the same authorities as a person licensed as a limited private applicator under the pilot project except that a person with this license is also authorized to use restricted use rodenticides for controlling pest animals. Pest control and weed control are permitted on non-production agricultural land as well as production agricultural land used to grow hay and grain crops consumed by the livestock on the farm where produced. Up to 10 percent of the crops grown on the such land in a calendar year may be sold within the county of production.
Stevens and Pend Oreille counties are added to the project. However, the pilot project may operate only in counties where the county's cooperative extension service and/or its weed board complete a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Agriculture agreeing: (1) to conduct certain department-approved re-certification coursework every year; and (2) to maintain the re-certification credit records for the limited private applicators in the county.
The licensing fee for a limited private applicator is $25. For a rancher private applicator license, the fee is $75. Course work credit requirements for limited private applicator license and for rancher private applicator license are modified.
A limited private applicator is no longer prohibited from using a powered apparatus to apply herbicides under the pilot project.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: This program is needed to assist ranchers in these rural counties in controlling noxious weeds and harmful pests.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Jim Potts, Eastern Counties (pro).