Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pesticide Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances change to restricted-use pesticide rule to allow supervised handlers without full applicator license
Summary
House File 2667 would modify last year’s federal-conformity language so that assistants who mix, load or transport restricted-use pesticides can work under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator rather than holding the same license themselves; committee adopted an A1 amendment adding transporting and laid the bill over.
Representative Nelson introduced House File 2667, a clarifying amendment to last year’s statutory changes that implemented federal EPA requirements on restricted-use pesticides. The bill would allow a defined class of "handlers" to mix, load and transport restricted-use pesticides under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator rather than requiring the assistant to hold the same applicator license.
Bruce Clavin, representing the Minnesota Wheat Growers Association and Red River Valley Sugar Beet Growers (and speaking for applicators), told the committee that language adopted in last year’s federal-conformity bill unintentionally required anyone helping to mix and load restricted-use pesticides to obtain the same license as the applicator. HF 2667 restores the ability for assistants to operate under supervision consistent with the Code of Federal Regulations definition of a handler.
Clavin described the bill’s adjustment as moving mixing and loading language and creating a CFR-aligned handler definition that permits mixing, handling and loading “under the supervision of the licensed applicator” while preserving the licensed applicator’s responsibility to train and ensure safety practices are followed.
The committee adopted Representative Nelson’s A1 amendment, which adds transporting to the activities handlers may perform under supervision. The Department of Agriculture’s witnesses confirmed the change would apply to commercial, noncommercial and private pesticide applicators and acknowledged that restricted-use pesticides are among the most toxic products regulated under the federal framework. Division director Josh Stamper said the licensed applicator retains responsibilities including training and safety measures.
Representative Hansen raised worker-protection concerns, noting that many mixing/transport incidents account for spills and accidents; he suggested the change reduces worker protections by removing licensing requirements for assistants. Nelson and other supporters replied that the bill does not change licensing for those who actually apply restricted pesticides and that training and supervision duties remain with the licensed applicator.
Chair Hansen indicated the bill would be laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus, and the committee adopted the A1 amendment by voice vote.
