Title: An act relating to recertification standards for private applicators of pesticides.

Brief Description: Modifying recertification standards for private applicators of pesticides.

Sponsors: Representatives Eickmeyer, B. Sullivan, Hinkle, Haler and Newhouse.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/05, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 3/22/05; 3/24/05 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Schoesler, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin and Morton.

Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background: The Pesticide Management Division of the Department of Agriculture (Department) licenses and certifies pesticide applicators, dealers, and consultants. There are several different types of pesticide applicators, and the specific licensing requirements for each depends upon who the employer is and what type of pest control work will be performed.

A private applicator of pesticides is a person who uses or supervises the use of restricted use pesticides for the production of any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by him or his employer. A private applicator must be licensed, and the license must be renewed each year that the applicator performs work that requires a license. In addition, in order to maintain the license, a private applicator must complete re-certification requirements every five years. Re-certification can be satisfied either by examination or by attending Department-approved courses.

A private applicator who chooses to be re-certified by taking approved courses must accumulate 20 credits within the five-year cycle. Under current law, a private applicator may accumulate no more than eight credits per year.

Summary of Amended Bill: Private pesticide applicators who take department-approved courses to meet license recertification requirements may accumulate no more than 10 credits per year.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: The original bill allowed for up to 12 hours to be accumulated in one year.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: The requirement of taking 20 credit hours over a five year period isn't changed. However, it is possible to take more credit hours in one year, but not more than 12 credit hours in any one year. It is like taking a few more credit hours the last year in order to graduate from college. Courses by WSU for private pesticide applicators are often offered on two consecutive days with 6 credit hours granted for each day. This would enable a person to attend a two day class and for the full 12 credit hours to be recognized.

Testimony Against: The proposal to increase the maximum number of credits that can be earned in a year from 8 credits to 12 credits was considered but rejected by the Pesticide Advisory Board. This board is composed of agricultural, commercial applicators and environmental representatives. There are a multitude of courses that are available to take. These courses should be taken periodically to keep abreast of all of the new information and changes that occur with regards to pesticides and pesticide related issues.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative Eickmeyer.

CON: Larry Trelevan, Pesticide Advisory Board and Sprague Pest Solutions.