FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5002

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: Originally authorized in 1957, mosquito control districts can be formed to exterminate mosquitoes and abate mosquito breeding places. They are financed by property taxes, assessments, and bonds. Currently, 18 districts operate in 13 counties.

To abate mosquito breeding places, mosquito control district officials may enter land in a district to conduct inspections and treat breeding places with oil or other larvicidal material.

Summary: Mosquito control district officials may enter lands adjacent to districts to conduct inspections and abate breeding places, but must give prior written notice to landowners of their intent to do so.

District authority to treat breeding places is revised. Districts may treat places where mosquitoes are found or are likely to exist using integrated pest management (IPM) methods. IPM is defined as a coordinated decision-making and action process, seeking in an environmentally and economically sound manner to prevent pest problems, monitor pests and pest damage, establish tolerable pest populations, treat pest problems, and evaluate treatments.

Subject to management considerations identified during consultation with landowners, districts may cut or remove shrubbery or undergrowth as necessary to carry out district operations.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	49	0
House	60	37	(House amended)
Senate	36	10	(Senate concurred)