Investigation Process For Pesticide Applicators

Current law requires certain commercial pesticide applicators to be licensed or registered. The bill requires the commissioner of agriculture (commissioner) to notify such a regulated person within 24 hours after the commissioner or department of agriculture receives a complaint about the person. The notice must include the alleged facts and any statute or rule the person is alleged to have violated. If the notice is not provided:

• The commissioner is prohibited from suspending or revoking the person's license or registration, or imposing civil penalties; and
• The person is immune from a criminal prosecution based on the facts alleged in the complaint.

The bill also requires the following proceedings to be brought within one year after the occurrence of the facts upon which they are based:

• A proceeding to discipline a licensee or registrant;
• A proceeding to impose civil penalties, not including failing to obtain the required license or registration; or
• A criminal prosecution, not including failing to obtain the required license or registration.
  (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)