CS/CS/CS/HB 949 Summary

• Allows pest control operators to provide emergency fumigation notices to the Department of Agriculture by facsimile or electronic communication instead of only by phone or telegraph when 24-hour advance notice is impossible.

• Increases minimum insurance coverage requirements for pest control businesses: bodily injury from $100,000 to $250,000 per person and $300,000 to $500,000 per occurrence; property damage from $50,000 to $250,000 per occurrence and $100,000 to $500,000 aggregate.

• Creates licensure for pest control customer contact centers operating on behalf of licensed pest control businesses, with initial and renewal fees of $600 each and a $150 late fee.

• Establishes limited certification for commercial wildlife trappers to use nonchemical control methods for commensal rodents, with examination fees between $150-$300 and annual recertification fees between $75-$150.

• Provides liability immunity for licensed or certified pest control professionals who practice accepted pest control methods from animal cruelty law violations and increases professional liability insurance requirements for wood-destroying organism inspectors from $25,000 to $250,000 per occurrence.