Getting cancer causing pesticides out of schools. Support AB 468

The Healthy Schools Act of 2000 requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation to promote and facilitate the adoption of integrated pest management programs and to facilitate the least hazardous pest control policies at schoolsites, as defined. The act prohibits using certain pesticides at schoolsites, and imposes specified notice and record requirements on schools relating to the use of pesticides at schoolsites.

This bill would prohibit lawn care pesticides from being used on the outdoor spaces or playgrounds of schoolsites unless an emergency pesticide application is necessary due to an imminent threat to public health. The bill would require the department to establish organic

landscape management practices for schoolsites and, on a quarterly basis, seek the advice and counsel of experts and scientists in the fields of turf and landscape management, maintenance of trees and shrubs, organic pest management, and integrated pest management protocols on fulfilling the requirements of these provisions. The bill would require the department to prioritize the implementation and enforcement of these provisions to protect school children, families, staff, and communities from the harmful effects of toxic chemical maintenance at schoolsites. Commencing January 1, 2021, the bill would require schoolsites to comply with the established organic landscape management practices. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies in regard to their outdoor pesticide use, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.