Plain English Breakdown
The official text states that supervision is 'as defined' but does not provide the specific definition of what constitutes sufficient supervision in this summary.
New Rules for Unlicensed Pest Control Workers
Starting January 1, 2028, this law allows unlicensed workers in registered pest control companies to apply certain pesticides outdoors if they have applied for an exam and completed specific training under supervision.
What This Bill Does
- Allows unlicensed employees of registered companies to apply Branch 2 or Branch 3 pesticides outdoors starting January 1, 2028.
- Requires these workers to have applied for a structural pest control applicator examination in Branch 2 or Branch 3 before performing this work.
- Mandates that the worker completes at least 80 hours of training in pesticide application under direct supervision by a licensed operator or field representative.
- Limits the time an unlicensed worker can apply pesticides outdoors without a license to up to 60 days if specified conditions are met.
- Requires companies to notify the Structural Pest Control Board and county agricultural commissioners before the work begins.
- Orders companies and supervising licensees to keep records showing that training was completed for at least three years.
Who It Names or Affects
- Unlicensed individuals employed by registered structural pest control companies who have applied for an exam.
- Registered structural pest control companies in California.
- Licensed operators or field representatives who supervise the unlicensed workers.
- County agricultural commissioners and the Structural Pest Control Board.
Terms To Know
- Branch 2
- A license type for controlling household pests, excluding fumigation with poisonous or lethal gases.
- Branch 3
- A license type for controlling wood-destroying pests using insecticides or structural repairs, excluding fumigation with poisonous or lethal gases.
- Structural Pest Control Board
- The state agency in the Department of Consumer Affairs that regulates pest control licenses and rules.
Limits and Unknowns
- This rule only applies to pesticide application done outdoors, not indoors.
- Reimbursement for costs imposed on county agencies depends on a future decision by the Commission on State Mandates regarding whether those costs are mandated by the state.