BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 1332 Page 1 Date of Hearing: July 2, 2014 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair SB 1332 (Wolk) - As Amended: April 21, 2014 Policy Committee: Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Vote: 6-1 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill requires the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to adopt and enforce regulations for the use of carbon monoxide (CO) pest control devices. Specifically, this bill: 1)Requires the DPR Director to adopt and enforce regulations to provide for the proper, safe, and efficient use of CO pest control devices. 2)Defines a CO pest control device as any method or instrument using CO to prevent, eliminate, destroy or mitigate burrowing rodent pests. 3)Clarifies that violations may result in misdemeanor prosecution by the Director or civil penalties levied by the Director or a county agricultural commissioner. FISCAL EFFECT 1)DPR rulemaking costs are absorbable. 2)Potential unknown revenue increases resulting from civil penalties COMMENTS 1)Rationale. According to DPR, the growing popularity of CO pest control devices, including the use on school grounds necessitates the development of guidelines. CO devices may be a safer alternative for pest control, however, if used SB 1332 Page 2 improperly CO may be deadly. This bill requires DPR to adopt and enforce regulations on CO pest control devices. 2)Background. AB 634 (Huber, Chapter 704, Statues of 2011) allowed for the use of CO pest control devices. The law was placed in Food and Agricultural Code Section 602.5, which is not under the purview of the DPR. According to the DPR, since the passage of AB 634, interest in using carbon monoxide devices for pest control has increased. Initially, these devices were designed for farmers and ranchers for use in wide open spaces. However, manufacturers are now marketing the devices to schools, local governments and park districts as a cost-effective way to control rodents. Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081