HB 1861 Summary

• Extends the Coffee Berry Borer Pesticide Subsidy Program sunset date from June 30, 2021, to June 30, 2025, allowing coffee growers to continue receiving subsidies for pesticides containing Beauveria bassiana.

• Extends the pesticide subsidy program manager position, including exemption from civil service and collective bargaining laws, from June 30, 2022, to June 30, 2026, to process final subsidy applications.

• Appropriates $200,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the subsidy program, including $25,000 for the program manager position salary and fringe benefits.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the legislature prior to the 2025 regular session detailing program results and recommendations on whether to extend or expire the program.

• Takes effect July 1, 2020.