Prohibiting a pesticide containing paraquat, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions

DALS or the department of natural resources (DNR) may approve the use of paraquat for research purposes only, if the use is conducted under strict safety and reporting protocols. BILL’S PROVISIONS —— PARAQUAT —— REPORTING REQUIREMENTS REGARDING PARAQUAT IN CURRENT USE. The bill requires that by December 31, 2026, any person that currently offers for sale, sells, purchases, applies, or uses a pesticide containing paraquat in this state must submit a report to DALS and DNR regarding the distribution, application, and use of the chemical. DALS must to consolidate and publish the reported information on its internet site. BILL’S PROVISIONS —— PARAQUAT —— ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABLE FARMING ADVISORY WORK GROUP. The bill establishes an environmental research and sustainable farming advisory work group (work group). The work group is housed in DALS, which must provide the work group with administrative support. The work group includes the secretary of agriculture or a designee, the director of DNR or a designee, and individuals appointed by the governor who are (1) academic researchers with expertise in toxicology, environmental science, or sustainable agriculture, (2) individuals representing farmers and agricultural industry organizations, and (3) individuals representing public health and environmental advocacy organizations. The work group must (1) review the environmental and public health impacts of paraquat and other hazardous pesticides that may cause neurological diseases and (2) identify best practices and opportunities for sustainable and safer alternatives in agriculture. Beginning not later than December 31, 2027, the work group must submit an annual report, including findings and recommendations, to the governor and general assembly for the next five years. APPLICABLE PENALTIES.19).22). A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560. EFFECTIVE DATES. The bill takes effect upon enactment except for the provision that prohibits a person from offering for sale, selling, purchasing, applying, or using a pesticide containing paraquat. That provision takes effect January 1, 2027.