Pesticides: carbon monoxide pest control devices.

Existing law regulates pesticide use and generally provides that, except for specified provisions that are within the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, the enforcement of these provisions is the duty of the Director of Pesticide Regulation. Existing law, until January 1, 2018, authorizes the use of carbon monoxide for the control of burrowing rodent pests under specified conditions, including that the carbon monoxide delivery device be permanently affixed with a warning label, as provided. Existing law provides that a violation of the provisions relating to pesticides, or any regulation adopted pursuant to those provisions, is a misdemeanor, and further provides, in lieu of misdemeanor prosecution by the director, for civil prosecution by the director, or for the director or a county agricultural commissioner to levy a civil penalty against a person violating those provisions. This bill would require the director to regulate the use of carbon monoxide pest control devices, as defined, and to adopt and enforce regulations to provide for the proper, safe, and efficient use of these devices, as specified. A violation of those provisions would be a misdemeanor, and would also be subject to the provisions authorizing the action to be prosecuted civilly by the director, or for a county agricultural commissioner to levy a civil penalty, in lieu of prosecution as a misdemeanor. The bill would also make nonsubstantive changes. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.