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GM 1279

Informing the Legislature that on June 6, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1304 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 179).

2025 Regular Session

Allocates funds for statewide pesticide drift monitoring near schools, ensures EPA-compliant practices, and requires a 2029 report with findings and recommended legislation.

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Bill Summary · GM 1279

Summary of GM 1279 / Act 179 (SB 1304, SD2, HD1, CD1)

Overview

GM 1279 is Governor Josh Green’s message announcing that SB1304 SD2 HD1 CD1 was signed into law as Act 179 on June 6, 2025. The act relates to pesticide drift monitoring with a focus on areas near schools and ongoing statewide monitoring.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognizes the need to study and monitor pesticide applications near schools to protect children's safety from off-target drift.
  • Builds on a statewide DOA (Department of Agriculture) study already initiated regarding pesticide drift near schools.
  • Establishes funding and reporting requirements to ensure ongoing monitoring and assessment, with a view toward informing potential legislation.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation and Funding: Funds for continued monitoring of pesticide drift in schools statewide are appropriated from the Pesticide Use Revolving Fund:
    • FY 2025-2026: up to $323,484 (as necessary)
    • FY 2026-2027: up to $311,903 (as necessary)
  • Compliance: The monitoring study must comply with all applicable U.S. EPA regulations.
  • Reporting to Legislature: Upon completion, the Department of Agriculture must submit findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the regular session in 2029.
  • Administration: Funds appropriated are to be expended by the Department of Agriculture.

Affected Entities

  • Primarily the Department of Agriculture (DOA), with implications for schools statewide and other stakeholders involved in pesticide use, safety, and agricultural practices.

Effective Date and Duration

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
  • Duration: Provides funding for FY 2025-2026 and FY 2026-2027 for continued monitoring; requires a final report and any proposed legislation to be submitted by 2029 (20 days before the 2029 regular session).

Legislative Context

  • Act 179 is framed as a continuation and formalization of ongoing study into pesticide drift near schools, expanding funding and creating a formal reporting mechanism to inform future policy decisions.

Quick Take

Act 179 strengthens oversight of pesticide drift near schools by dedicated funding for statewide monitoring, mandating EPA-compliant practices, and requiring a 2029 legislative report with findings and potential legislative recommendations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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