Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an aerial pesticide applicator from spraying or applying a pesticide product containing chlorpyrifos via aircraft, and prohibits applying the pesticide product within 300 feet of a school.

Highlights:

• Requires the state Department of Agriculture to (Sec. 3):

• Establish exemptions to the prohibition of chlorpyrifos for aerial application of a pesticide product during quarantine or to stop the spread of an invasive species; and

• Establish exemptions to the prohibition of chlorpyrifos for aerial application of a pesticide product for agricultural products intended for export from which there is no alternative pesticide.

• Requires a person that employs a worker to take steps to ensure that the worker does not enter or remain in an area in which chlorpyrifos has been applied during the restricted-entry interval for chlorpyrifos (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes an employe to allow a worker to enter or remain in the area during the restricted-area interval (Sec. 5):

• For activities not involving contact with chlorpyrifos, if the employer ensure compliance with certain requirements; 

• For short term activities, if the employer ensures compliance with certain requirements; and

• During an agricultural emergency, if the employer ensures compliance with certain requirements.

• Defines “restricted-entry interval” as the time after the end of a pesticide application during which presence in the area that the pesticide was applied is restricted (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that because this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of public health and safety, an emergency is declared and will take effect immediately upon its passage (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text