SB 22-131

Senate Bill 22-131, titled "Protect Health Of Pollinators And People," aims to safeguard both pollinator species and human health in Colorado by limiting pesticide use near children and conducting studies on how to improve pollinator health. The bill restricts the application of pesticides around schools, childcare centers, and camps while requiring notifications when such chemicals are used. It also establishes a study to explore ways to address declining pollinator populations and introduces a pilot grant program for farmers testing alternative seed treatments. Signed into law, this means that these measures are now in effect, protecting children from harmful pesticide exposure and promoting healthier environments for pollinators across the state.

Official Summary

The bill implements a number of measures to protect pollinators and people throughout the state. Section 1 of the bill makes legislative findings.Section 2 restricts the use of pesticides on the grounds of a school, preschool program, child care center, or children's resident camp and requires that notification be sent when a pesticide is used at such a location. The executive director of the department of public health and environment may adopt rules to implement section 2.Section 3 requires the executive director of the department of natural resources or the executive director's designee (DNR executive director) to conduct a study on how to address pollinator decline and increase pollinator health in the state. In conducting the study, the DNR executive director shall consult with other state agencies and with scientists with expertise in pollinator health, ecological processes, biodiversity, native plants, and ecological land management. The DNR executive director shall submit a report of the study to the general assembly and the governor on or before January 1, 2024.Section 4 creates a pilot grant program in the department of agriculture to provide financial grants to agricultural producers to test the use of noncoated seed-applied systemic insecticide on their crops.Sections 5 and 6 require the commissioner of agriculture to adopt rules designating as restricted-use certain pesticides that contain an active ingredient belonging to the neonicotinoid class of insecticides or the sulfoxomine class of insecticides, but allowing the use of such pesticides in pet care, personal care, wood preservatives, and indoor pest-control products and products used on golf courses. The commissioner's rules will not affect the use of the restricted-use pesticides for agricultural purposes.Sections 7 through 10 authorize local governments to regulate pesticide use and remove certain preemptions regarding local government regulation of pesticide use.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)