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HB 3844

Relating to exemptions from estate tax; prescribing an effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vikki Breese Iverson and 4 co-sponsors

Creates large-scale and small-scale pesticide operator licenses with separate tests and rules, launching a two-tier certification framework.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3844

HB 3844 — PESTICIDES — OPERATOR REGULATION (Illinois, 104th GA)

Quick summary

HB 3844 amends the Illinois Pesticide Act (415 ILCS 60) to replace the single statutory category of “licensed operator” with two distinct categories — “licensed large-scale operator” and “licensed small-scale operator” — and requires the Department of Agriculture to issue separate certification tests for each category pursuant to Department rules. The bill makes conforming changes to Sections 4, 12, and 14 of the Act (definitions and certification/ licensing provisions).

Key provisions

  • Replaces the definition/term “licensed operator” in the Pesticide Act with two new definitions:
    • “Licensed large-scale operator” (text of the bill directs separate treatment but detailed statutory definitions are in the amended sections).
    • “Licensed small-scale operator.”
  • Directs the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture to:
    • Prescribe rules and regulations for each operator class.
    • Issue separate certification tests for licensed large-scale operators and licensed small-scale operators based on those rules.
  • Makes conforming amendments throughout the Act (specifically Sections 4, 12, and 14) to reflect the new operator categories.
  • The engrossed bill otherwise leaves existing Pesticide Act definitions and controls largely intact (the posted text includes context-definitions such as “barrier mosquitocide,” “certified applicator,” etc.).

Who is affected

  • Individuals and businesses that apply pesticides commercially (commercial applicators), including employers who supervise or require pesticide application as part of employment.
  • Private applicators and agricultural producers may be affected if the new categories alter testing, certification pathways, or permitted scopes of practice.
  • The Illinois Department of Agriculture — administrative responsibility to develop rules, tests, and implement the two-tier certification system.
  • Training providers, testing centers, and employers who must ensure staff have the appropriate license class.

Procedural status & timeline (selected)

  • Filed: 02/07/2025 (with Clerk) / Introduced: 02/18/2025 by Rep. Sonya M. Harper.
  • House committee actions: Assigned to Energy & Environment; Do Pass (03/20/2025).
  • Passed House (3rd Reading, short debate) 04/10/2025 — Vote recorded as 071-038-000.
  • Arrived in Senate: 04/14/2025; Chief Senate Sponsor: Sen. Patrick J. Joyce.
  • Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor: Sen. Julie A. Morrison (04/16/2025).
  • Placed on Senate General State Calendar: 05/13/2025 (awaiting further action in Senate).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Creates a more granular certification framework that may better match training and testing to scale/scope of pesticide use (potentially improving safety and oversight).
  • Could require development of new test materials, administrative processes, and training programs — administrative and transitional costs for the Department and regulated parties.
  • Depending on implementing rules, may change who must obtain which license, testing fees, renewal/ continuing education requirements, and employer compliance obligations.
  • The bill text does not specify the precise criteria that distinguish large-scale from small-scale operators; those details will be established in Department rules and will determine the practical effect.

Next steps / open items

  • The Department of Agriculture rulemaking (to define categories, tests, and standards) is a key next step; stakeholders should monitor rulemaking notices for specific eligibility, exam content, fees, and training requirements.
  • Senate committee/ floor action and any amendments could change scope before final enactment.

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

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