NC S496

Defines "neonicotinoid pesticide" to include imidacloprid, nithiazine, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, and other chemicals designated by the Board, with exemptions for pet care products, personal care products, and products regulated under the Structural Pest Control Act.

Prohibits retail sale of neonicotinoid pesticides to the public unless the seller is authorized to sell restricted use pesticides, effective October 1, 2019.

Restricts use of neonicotinoid pesticides to licensed pesticide applicators, farmers and those under their direct supervision for agricultural purposes, and veterinarians, effective October 1, 2019.

Requires the Pesticide Board to monitor US EPA's final pollinator risk assessments for imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran and report recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes to the Commissioner and Environmental Review Commission within six months of EPA completion.

Requires the Pesticide Board to study state authority to regulate seeds treated with systemic insecticides and submit results with legislative recommendations to the Environmental Review Commission by November 1, 2019.