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Environment & Agriculture committee advances bill directing pesticide board to restrict some neonicotinoids

Environment and Agriculture Committee · February 3, 2026

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Summary

The committee approved an amendment to HB 14-31 instructing the Pesticide Control Board to adopt rules reclassifying certain neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use and to notify registered apiaries; the board and agency witnesses said they are already reviewing neonics. The committee voted the amendment and then moved the bill forward as amended.

The Environment and Agriculture Committee voted on Feb. 3 to adopt an amendment to HB 14-31 that directs the Pesticide Control Board to adopt rules reclassifying specified neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use and to develop a notification plan for registered apiaries. Chairwoman Aaron said the amendment sets a date certain for the board to adopt plans by Jan. 1, 2027.

The measure’s sponsor presented two alternative amendments — a shorter directive and a longer “laundry-list” version — and told the committee she favored the longer version because it lays out specific topics the board should consider. Members debated whether to put operational restrictions such as maximum allowable wind speeds for aerial applications into statute or leave them to product labels and board rulemaking.

David Russo, division head for the New Hampshire Division of Pesticide Control, told the committee the board has been reviewing neonicotinoids and that the division will provide recommendations; he said the label is the legal standard for many application practices. Lawmakers expressed differing views: some urged stronger statutory limits and an ornamental-use ban, while others said directing the professional board to make rules is a faster and more flexible approach.

After discussion and a roll call, the committee adopted the amendment and later moved the bill forward under the committee’s report. The amendment and the bill now require additional drafting and will be reflected in the committee report to the full House.

What happens next: HB 14-31, as amended directing the Pesticide Control Board to adopt restricted-use rules and an apiary-notification plan by a date certain, will be included in the committee’s report and proceed toward consideration by the full House.