The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released proposed regulations to implement Assembly Bill (AB) 1864, signed by Governor Newsom on September 25, 2024, to require field identification and reporting on pesticide use near schools to provide greater transparency and ensure compliance with existing regulations that restrict agricultural pesticide use near schools and licensed child day care facilities.
Effective Jan. 1, 2018, DPR adopted regulations to place restrictions on the application methods or timing used to apply pesticides to agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite, currently defined as a public K-12 school or licensed child day care facility. The regulations also require the operator of the agricultural field within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to provide the schoolsite an annual notification of expected pesticide applications.
The proposed regulations would require several measures for agricultural fields located within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite. These measures include obtaining a separate site identification number for the portion of the field within this proximity. Additionally, when applying for restricted material permits, submitting notices of intent, and preparing pesticide use reports, it will be necessary to specify the exact method of pesticide application. Furthermore, any notices of intent concerning the use of California restricted materials in these areas must include the allowable dates and time ranges during which pesticide application can take place.
Additionally, the proposed regulations will expand existing restrictions to include private K-12 schools with an enrollment of 6 or more pupils.
DPR has opened a public comment period on the proposed regulations through July 14, 2025. Comments may be submitted online through DPR's public comment portal SmartComment or sent by email to [email protected].
Source: State of California