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Board authorizes rulemaking to raise multiple fees to statutory caps and advances pesticide‑notice and exam rule packages
Summary
The Structural Pest Control Board voted to submit regulatory text to raise many licensing and examination fees to statutory maximums, approved resubmission of pesticide notice language, and authorized an examinations rulemaking to implement federal EPA core standards after industry objections about cost.
The Structural Pest Control Board on Aug. 26, 2024 authorized several rulemaking steps to update fees and regulatory language.
DCA budget staff presented a proposal to raise multiple licensing and renewal fees, largely to statutory caps, and to increase certain applicator fees to $35 (below the statutory cap). The package projects approximately $1.56 million in additional annual revenue, intended to halt a decline in the board’s months‑in‑reserve. Staff and board members discussed the major revenue role of the WDO fee and options for a future fee study and legislation during sunset review to consider statutory cap increases.
Industry representatives urged caution. Darren Van Steenweck of the Pest Control Operators of California told the board that the cumulative cost increases across jurisdictions may be burdensome for employers and could lead to unintended consequences if margins are squeezed. Regulatory counsel said the package had undergone internal review, and staff indicated a target implementation of July 2025 if administrative timelines proceed normally.
Despite industry concerns, the board voted to approve the proposed regulatory text and to submit the package to the Department of Consumer Affairs and Office of Administrative Law to initiate the rulemaking process. The roll call vote recorded four yes votes and one abstention (Board member Mendenhall). The board directed staff to pursue additional stakeholder outreach (including a town hall) and to return with options and timing for a formal fee analysis.
Separately, the board authorized resubmission of a revised pesticide application notice package (sections 1970.4, 1970.41, 1970.42, 1970.43) after staff made non‑substantive edits, and unanimously authorized initiation of an examinations rulemaking (sections 1940–1942) to incorporate EPA minimum core standards for applicator certification and recertification.
Board members said they want to provide industry more notice and opportunities for feedback as the packages proceed through public comment and OAL review. The rulemaking packages will enter the standard 45‑day public comment period once submitted; staff expects processing and potential implementation timelines to vary depending on OAL review and possible hearings.
