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Bill would require a model pesticide management plan for state lands to limit aesthetic uses of higher‑risk pesticides
Summary
House Bill 1342 would direct the Maryland Department of Agriculture to develop a model pesticide management plan for state agencies managing state-owned land and would limit use of certain pesticides for purely aesthetic purposes; the bill exempts DNR and SHA and drew broad testimony from environmental groups, MDA staff and student advocates.
House Bill 1342 would require the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, to develop a model pesticide management plan for units of state government that manage state-owned property. The sponsor and witnesses told the committee the policy’s focus is to prohibit the aesthetic use of higher‑risk pesticides — for example, application solely to improve turf appearance — while preserving exemptions for agriculture, public health vector control, invasive species control and other non‑aesthetic needs.
Major elements and scope: Testimony clarified amendments that exempt the Department of Natural Resources and the State Highway Administration from the new model requirement; both agencies already maintain plans addressing pollinators or land‑management pesticide use. Sponsor Mary Layman said the bill as amended focuses on state-managed properties outside those large land-managing agencies and on limiting aesthetic pesticide use rather than prohibiting pest control for other legitimate purposes.
Data cited: Witnesses said pesticide use in Maryland increased: testimony cited roughly 3,000,000 pounds of pesticides used in 2022, with about 85% (2,600,000 pounds) identified as herbicides and a documented increase of about 33% over 2020 figures. Environmental witnesses urged a broader phase-down of petrochemical pesticides and fertilizers over time; MDA said it could use existing integrated pest management plans and pollinator protection plans to construct the model plan.
Support and concerns: MDA staff said the agency supports the bill with amendments and can use existing program staff to draft a model plan drawing on IPM and pollinator protection experience. Student and environmental advocates urged action to protect pollinators and public health. Some technical questions at the hearing addressed which products would remain permitted; MDA said it would use federal lists and existing state guidance to identify lower-risk products for allowed uses.
Next steps: The sponsor indicated intent to refine bill language and coordinate with MDA and DNR on draft language; the hearing record shows support from environmental groups and MDA with amendments, and no committee vote appears in the transcript.
