House Republican Press Release

January 19, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Floren Proposes Extending Pesticide Ban

State Representative Livvy R. Floren, R-149^th District and a bi-partisan coalition of co-sponsors has introduced a bill this session to extend a ban on the use of pesticides at day care and elementary schools to middle and high schools. House Bill 5234, An Act Banning Pesticide Use in Middle And High Schools, has been referred to the General Assembly’s Environment Committee.

Rep. Floren co-sponsored the current law in 2005 which restricted the use of lawn care pesticides at public and private preschools, elementary schools, child day care centers and group day care homes. A child day care center is defined as providing care to more than 12 children and for group day care homes who provide care to, between seven and 12 children. This law went into affect January 1, 2006 except for emergencies and completely bans their application starting July 1, 2008.

Under current law, a lawn care pesticide as a pesticide registered by the EPA and labeled according to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act for lawn, garden, and ornamental use.

Rep. Floren said, “Pesticides are known to be detrimental to humans of all ages, and I do not want to see them used in areas that affect our young people. Future generations of children should be able to learn and play at school without threat of breathing in pesticides.” 

Floren believes extending the ban on the use of pesticides to middle and high schools will affect more than 260,000 children in grades 6-12.