HB 20-1180: Pollinator Protection Act of 2020

• Commissioner of Agriculture must adopt rules by March 1, 2021, designating seven neonicotinoid pesticides (imidacloprid, nithiazine, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam) and sulfoxaflor as restricted-use pesticides.

• Rules must exempt indoor pest control, personal care, and pet care products from restrictions, though the commissioner may later disallow these uses if non-neonicotinoid alternatives prove equally or more effective.

• Restrictions do not apply to commercial applicators, limited commercial applicators, public applicators, qualified supervisors, certified operators, and private applicators.

• Commissioner may amend rules in consultation with the Pesticide Advisory Committee to disallow exempted uses if effective alternative products become available, and to protect public health, safety, and environment.

• Act takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the 2020 legislative session (August 5, 2020) unless subject to a successful referendum petition.