HB 656 Summary

• Establishes allowed pesticides and fertilizers for use on state and county property, including substances listed in federal organic standards (7 CFR 205.601-606), minimum-risk pesticides exempt from federal registration, and specific products like disinfectants, insect repellents, rodent control, pool supplies, paints, and citric acid.

• Prohibits use of non-allowed pesticides and fertilizers on state and county property except for controlling mosquitoes, building-damaging insects (fire ants and termites), and invasive species causing economic or environmental harm.

• Requires state and county agencies to apply to the department of agriculture for a waiver before using prohibited substances, submitting detailed documentation including location maps, landscape plans, cost estimates, and proof that alternative methods are insufficient.

• Allows waivers to be granted for up to two years with conditions such as protective signage; waiver applications deemed approved if department does not respond within 180 days.

• Exempts state agricultural parks, county agricultural property, school property fumigation, and property managed under state executive orders from these restrictions.

• Effective July 1, 2023.