Pesticide and Pest Control - Revisions to Pesticide Applicator's Law and Repeal of Obsolete Provisions
Summary
SB249 revises Maryland’s pesticide applicator laws by creating a new framework for the commercial and private application of pesticides. The bill distinguishes between general use pesticides and restricted use pesticides, and it specifies who may apply each type, when supervision is allowed, and what training or certification is required. Under the bill, commercial applications of general use pesticides may be performed by, or under the supervision of, certified pest control applicators or certified public agency applicators. Commercial applications of restricted use pesticides must be performed by certified pest control applicators or certified public agency applicators. Private applications of restricted use pesticides may be performed by certified private applicators or, in limited circumstances, by noncertified individuals working under direct supervision if federal requirements are met.
Impact
The bill amends Title 5 of the Agriculture Article by repealing and replacing the existing pesticide applicator supervision provisions and by updating statutory definitions related to pest control, restricted use pesticides, and supervision. It also repeals obsolete provisions governing cyclodiene termiticides and antifouling paints containing tributyltin compounds, removing outdated regulatory language from the code. As a result, the bill modernizes Maryland’s pesticide law, clarifies responsibility and liability for certified applicators, and aligns state requirements more closely with current federal supervision standards.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad bipartisan support and little opposition. The bill passed the Senate 47-0 and the House 111-20, indicating strong overall approval of the measure. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, but the vote margins suggest the bill was generally viewed as a technical and regulatory update rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
The main substantive issue in the bill is the allocation of responsibility and liability for pesticide applications, especially when noncertified individuals work under a certified private applicator’s direct supervision. Another point of potential concern is the bill’s incorporation of federal requirements for supervised use of restricted use pesticides, which may affect agricultural operators and pest control businesses. The repeal of obsolete cyclodiene termiticide and tributyltin antifouling paint provisions appears to be largely housekeeping in nature and does not appear to have generated notable opposition in the available record.