HI SCR157

Requests the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to jointly conduct a study on the short-term and long-term effects of chlorpyrifos pesticide on farmworkers, with special focus on pregnant or possibly pregnant farmworkers.

Directs the study to examine expert consultation data, raw study data, availability of medical services for exposed workers, records of pregnant farmworkers and their exposure levels, and recommendations for other agencies' involvement.

Requires the study to consider whether a new principal state department should be established with jurisdiction over environmental issues.

Mandates submission of a joint study report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation no later than 20 days before the convening of the 2019 Regular Session.

Cites EPA findings from November 2016 that chlorpyrifos has no safe uses, causes unsafe exposures to farmworkers even with protective equipment, and is associated with neurodevelopmental damage and autism risk in children of exposed mothers.