House Bill 958 Summary

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce to establish and charge fees (up to $150 per license/permit) for pest/weed control licenses, pest/weed technician licenses, consultant licenses, landscape licenses, tree surgery licenses, soil classifier licenses, and professional service branch permits.

• Allows the Commissioner to charge examination fees (up to $20 per test) for applicants seeking the licenses and permits listed above, with all fees deposited into a special fund for the Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

• Establishes pesticide dealer license fees (up to $150) and examination fees (up to $20), and commercial applicator certification fees (up to $75) and examination fees (up to $20), all deposited into a special fund for the Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

• Authorizes the Commissioner to charge a nursery certification fee (up to $100, valid for one year) and a plant dealer license fee (up to $300, valid for three years), with all fees deposited into the Department of Agriculture and Commerce special fund.

• Sets license and certification validity periods at three years unless earlier cancelled, suspended, or revoked, and allows renewal upon payment of applicable fees; effective July 1, 2010.