Resolve, To Enhance the Use of Integrated Pest Management on School Grounds

Sec. 1. Board of Pesticides Control to develop best management practices for the establishment and maintenance of school lawns, playgrounds and playing fields. Resolved: That the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Board of Pesticides Control, referred to in this resolve as "the board," shall develop best management practices for the establishment and maintenance of school lawns, playgrounds and playing fields. The best management practices must, at a minimum, address soil and site conditions, and establish treatment thresholds and guidelines based on practical considerations and current science.

The board shall provide every school administrative unit in the State with a copy of the best management practices developed under this section. The board's staff shall work with school integrated pest management coordinators appointed under board rule Chapter 27: Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Schools to ensure that the best management practices and the connection between implementing those practices and an effective integrated pest management program are understood by the coordinators; and be it further

Sec. 2. Assessment of compliance with rule for use of pesticides in schools and on school grounds. Resolved: That the board shall assess compliance with board rule Chapter 27: Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Schools. In conducting the assessment, the board shall focus particular attention on the processes used to determine the need for pest control and the selection of appropriate products under an integrated pest management system; and be it further

Sec. 3. Reports to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Resolved: That, no later than February 1, 2012, the board shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on actions taken under this resolve. The report must include a copy of the best management practices developed for the establishment and maintenance of school lawns, playgrounds and athletic fields, findings from the assessment of school compliance under section 2 and any recommendations, including amendments to board rules if appropriate, for minimizing the use of pesticides in schools and on school grounds.

No later than February 1, 2014, the board shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over pesticides regulation matters on continuing efforts to educate and work with schools to minimize the use of pesticides.