The "Safe Playing Fields Act"; restricts use of lawn care pesticides at child care centers and certain schools.
Impact
The enactment of S1485 would result in significant changes to existing state laws regarding pesticide use in educational environments. The New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the state’s health commissioner, will be mandated to develop rules and regulations within one year following the bill's passage. These regulations will govern pesticide application, record-keeping, and notification procedures for staff and parents, marking an essential move toward prioritizing children's health and safety in schools and child care facilities.
Summary
Senate Bill S1485, known as the 'Safe Playing Fields Act,' seeks to regulate the use of lawn care pesticides at child care centers and select schools, particularly those enrolling students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The primary intention of the bill is to mitigate potential health risks posed by lawn care chemicals to young children. It restricts the application of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of these institutions, allowing for exceptions only in emergency situations when there is an immediate threat to human health, as determined by relevant authorities. Furthermore, it requires a minimum of seven hours of restricted access to pesticide-treated areas for children after application.
Contention
While the bill emphasizes protecting children's health, there may be concerns regarding the practical implications for school districts and child care centers. Critics may argue that the restrictions could complicate maintenance practices and increase operational costs. Furthermore, the bill does not explicitly mention the types of low-impact pesticides that may be permitted, which could lead to debates over what constitutes an acceptable emergency application. The balance between ensuring a safe environment and maintaining effective facility management will likely be a focal point of discussions as the bill advances through the legislative process.
Restricts application of pesticides and rodenticides at schools and child care centers and requires schools to provide copies of notice to parents and guardians.
Restricts application of pesticides and rodenticides at schools and child care centers and requires schools to provide copies of notice to parents and guardians.
An Act Concerning Pesticides On School Grounds, Parks, Playgrounds, Athletic Fields And Municipal Greens And Banning The Sale And Use Of Genetically-engineered Lawn Or Turf Seeds.
Prohibits the application of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of any public or private pre-school or public or private school with students in grade twelve (12) or lower, except in an emergency situation.
Prohibits the application of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of any public or private pre-school or public or private school with students in grade twelve (12) or lower, except in an emergency situation.