SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6002

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: Pesticide Licensure. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) licenses people who use, sell, or consult on the use of pesticides. In the school environment, school employees must be licensed only if using restricted use pesticides or when pesticides are applied with motorized, mechanical, or pressurized power (equipment).

Pesticide Use in Schools. Daycares and public schools are required to provide written notification, upon request, to parents or guardians of students and employees describing the school's pest control policies and methods, including the posting and notification requirements. Schools must establish a notification system that, as a minimum, notifies interested parents or guardians of students and employees at least 48 hours before a pesticide application to a school facility. The notification system must include posting of the notification in a prominent place in the main office of the school.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a safe and usually less costly option for effective pest control in a school environment. An IPM approach involves monitoring for pests, and integrating physical, mechanical, biological, and, if necessary, chemical methods to achieve long-term control. While pesticides may be used, the IPM approach seeks to first change the conditions which allow pests to survive and thrive.

Summary of Bill: By January 1, 2016, the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA), in consultation with the Department of Health and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, must develop a model IPM policy that emphasizes the use of nonchemical pest control measures. The model IPM policy must, at a minimum, incorporate the "IPM Standards for Schools: Tactics and Resources for Reducing Pest and Pesticide Risks in Schools and Other Sensitive Environments" as published by the IPM Institute of North America, Inc.

By September 1, 2016, each school district must adopt an IPM policy based on the model IPM policy developed by WSSDA. Each school district may phase in implementation but must obtain the IPM STAR certification pursuant to the "IPM Standards for Schools" by September 1, 2020.

The Washington State University (WSU) urban IPM program will receive any appropriated funds to provide school districts with technical assistance. WSU must report to the Legislature each year it receives an appropriation that includes the following:

the districts that have received technical assistance;
the nature and extent of the assistance;
each district's progress on obtaining IPM STAR certification; and
the amount and nature of costs incurred by WSU in providing technical assistance to school districts.

If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2015, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is the product of ten years of behind-the-scenes efforts. When DDT was first introduced, we did not know what side effects would result. I believe we should move to nontoxic pest control methods, particularly in our schools. It is important to consider the environmental health of our school buildings. Higher education institutions are required to implement IPM policies but K–12 has been exempt. It is imperative for the health of our children to use nonchemical pest control methods. We can save money by moving away from pesticides.

CON: IPM is great policy and we already have WSU programs to give schools technical assistance. We oppose this bill because it ties schools' hands. Pesticide regulation has changed dramatically since the 1960s.