Pesticide workers would need permits for limited services

Individuals would need permits before applying certain herbicides commercially or soliciting pesticide services. The technician permit covers general-use herbicides labeled “caution” or “warning” when used for ornamental and turf weed control. The salesperson permit covers soliciting agreement to apply a pesticide. Technicians must complete approved yearly video training, work under indirect supervision from a certified applicator in the same business, and follow the herbicide label. Salespeople must complete approved yearly video training, work for a registered pesticide business, and avoid misrepresenting pesticide services. Applicants must submit forms, have no outstanding violations or unpaid money owed to the department, and pay the required permit fee. The bill would take effect May 6, 2026. Annual permits expire on December 31 and may be renewed through the same process.

Pesticide applicator businesses would register with the department, pay a fee based on their number of applicators, and meet listed staffing and certification requirements. The rules cover businesses offering pesticide application services, with a separate registration option for businesses that market applications but employ only salespeople. Businesses must certify compliance, pay registration fees, and provide evidence of competence, good character, required certification or experience, and no unpaid department money. Businesses must employ licensed certified applicators and may employ permitted technicians or salespeople. The department could create a separate registration by rule for marketing-only businesses that do not apply pesticides. A business registration certificate would expire on December 31 of the second calendar year after it is issued. The bill would take effect May 6, 2026.

The department could set rules for technician and salesperson training and qualifications, and it would report on those rules to a legislative committee. The rulemaking covers pesticide businesses, ornamental and turf technicians, and salespeople operating under the pesticide-control chapter. Technicians could not use dangerous-label or restricted-use pesticides, and could not use pesticides outside the listed ornamental and turf weed-control work. The department could deny, suspend, or revoke permits for cause. A person whose permit is suspended or revoked would have to return it within 14 days. Failing to return a permit could lead to a fine of up to $100 for each additional 14-day period. Violations involving ornamental and turf technicians could carry fines of up to $1,000 per violation. The department would report on rules for technicians and salespeople by the November 2026 interim meeting. The bill would take effect May 6, 2026.