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Committee approves rule to separate chemigation licensing, simplify pesticide applicator requirements
Summary
The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee approved pending rules that separate chemigation licensing from federal categories and simplify pesticide applicator licensing and training pathways, including department-approved alternatives to exams and expanded apprentice categories.
At a meeting of the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee, members voted to approve pending rule changes that separate chemigation licensing from the federal licensing framework and simplify how people obtain and maintain pesticide applicator and chemigation licenses.
The change implements language tied to last year’s legislative update, which committee presenters said allows Idaho to establish a state-specific chemigation licensure process that is simpler and offers multiple pathways to demonstrate competency.
Brian Slabaugh, administrator for the Division of Agricultural Resources at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, told the committee the rule “proposes a simplified process for acquiring and maintenance of those licenses.” He said the change implements House Bill 549 (2024) by creating a distinct chemigation license type and removing the previous requirement that chemigation licensing mirror federal categories. Director Chanel Tewall, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, framed the approach as agency efforts to be “customer friendly” and to offer multiple ways for operators to meet requirements.
The rule adds a new section describing ways to obtain a chemigation applicator license, including by exam, by a department-approved training, or through other department-approved methods. Slabaugh described several department-approved options: an online training module developed with the University of Idaho (created in 2021), in-person trainings, on-site demonstrations of equipment and procedures, and department-developed training material. Those alternatives are intended to help operators who are not good test takers or who lack convenient access to exams. Slabaugh said the department is developing a Spanish-language version of training material to improve access.
Committee members asked about the scope of the change and whether removing references to “restricted use” pesticides might alter who must be licensed. Slabaugh said the edits were intended to reduce confusion and preserve licensing requirements for anyone providing pesticide application services for pay, regardless of whether the product is restricted-use or general-use.
The committee approved the rule as docket number 203032402 by voice vote. Senator Similac moved the motion; a senator seconded. The motion carried on an audible “aye” vote with no recorded roll-call tally.
The department said the change is intended as a regulatory simplification and to reduce burdens on industry while maintaining protections for people, animals and the environment. Slabaugh emphasized the department will continue to require demonstrated knowledge and will use training and on-site verification as legitimate paths to licensure.
Votes at a glance: docket 203032402 — approved (motion carried by voice vote; mover: Senator Similac; second: not specified).
