An Act To Increase Penalties To Deter Violations Of The Laws Regarding Improper Pesticide Use

LD 1697 increases penalties for improper pesticide use in Maine. It raises the maximum civil fine from $1,500 to $25,000 for most violations, and to $50,000 if a violator substantially benefited (evidence of single-person benefit becomes prima facie proof of responsibility). Repeat violations within four years face higher fines: up to $75,000 for standard cases and $150,000 for substantial-benefit cases. The bill also raises fines for private applicators (who maintain records) from $500 to $1,000 per violation, with repeat offenses up to $2,000. Finally, it requires the Board of Pesticides Control to create rules for penalty transparency, multi-property lawsuits from pesticide migration, and property restoration as part of penalties.