AB 1603

Existing law generally regulates the use of pesticides, and requires every manufacturer of, importer of, or dealer in any pesticide, except as specified, to obtain a certificate of registration from the Department of Pesticide Regulation before the pesticide is offered for sale. Existing law requires the Director of Pesticide Regulation to endeavor to eliminate from use in the state any pesticide that endangers the agricultural or nonagricultural environment, is not beneficial for the purposes for which it is sold, or is misrepresented. Existing law prohibits, except as provided, a person from using or possessing a restricted material for any agricultural use except under a written permit of the county agricultural commissioner, as specified. Existing law provides that a violation of certain provisions relating to pesticides, or regulations issued pursuant to those provisions, is a misdemeanor. This bill would prohibit the department from registering a pesticide that has not been previously registered by the department and contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pesticide ingredients, defined as PFAS that are intentionally added as active, adjuvant, or inert ingredients, unless an application for registration of that pesticide was submitted to the department before January 1, 2027. The bill would, commencing January 1, 2028, classify a pesticide registered for agricultural use that contains PFAS pesticide ingredients as a restricted material subject to the above-described permitting requirement, and would require specified statements to be included on the permit and in a public disclosure by the department of its use. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.