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MarylandSB 02492025 Regular SessionSenate

Pesticide and Pest Control - Revisions to Pesticide Applicator's Law and Repeal of Obsolete Provisions

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

AgricultureAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Boats and ShipsCertificationsCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Environmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutFederal GovernmentGoods and Services -see also- Retail Sales; TermnSvc; TrfGdsHazardous and Toxic Substances -see also- Asbestos; RadiatnInsects -see also- Bees; Pest ControlLiabilityPest ControlRules and Regulations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Stricter pesticide supervision rules for farms

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland sets certification rules for restricted-use pesticides used to produce agricultural goods. These private applications cover land owned or rented by the applicator, or work done for an employer. A certified private applicator must apply the pesticide or directly supervise someone in the specific category they are certified for. Before an uncertified worker applies it, the supervisor must ensure the worker meets federal requirements in 40 C.F.R. § 171.201(b)(3). Certified private applicators are responsible and legally liable for restricted-use applications they perform or supervise.

Older boat-paint restrictions and penalties repealed

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland repeals older restrictions on tributyltin antifouling paint, used to prevent growth on boats. The repeal covers distribution, possession, sales, use, and offers to sell or use the paint. It also removes related exceptions, seizure rules, and misdemeanor penalties; the old regime included civil penalties up to $2,500. These products move into the unified regulatory framework, with enforcement under updated rules. Other state and federal restrictions still apply; the repeal does not establish unrestricted sales or use.

Older termite pesticide sales controls repealed

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland repeals its older controls specifically covering cyclodiene termite pesticides. Those provisions classified these products as restricted-use and limited sales, purchases, and applications to specified certified applicators or registered employees. Termite pesticides move into the law's unified regulatory framework. The repeal does not mean these products can be sold or used without other state or federal restrictions.

Tighter certification rules for pest-control services

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland requires certified pest-control or public-agency applicators to apply or directly supervise commercial general-use pesticides. For commercial restricted-use pesticides, a certified applicator must do the application; supervising an uncertified worker is not enough. Certified applicators are responsible and legally liable for applications they perform or supervise. Supervisors must be available as needed but do not have to be physically present.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 159 • No: 20

House vote • 3/31/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 112 • No: 20 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/12/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 42

    4/8/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    3/31/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (112-20)

    3/31/2025House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/28/2025House

  5. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    3/28/2025House

  6. Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2025House

  7. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/13/2025House

  8. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    3/12/2025Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/12/2025Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/12/2025Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/11/2025Senate

  12. Hearing 1/28 at 2:30 p.m.

    1/14/2025Senate

  13. Hearing canceled

    1/14/2025Senate

  14. Hearing 1/14 at 2:30 p.m.

    1/14/2025Senate

  15. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/8/2025Senate

  16. Pre-filed

    10/7/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/12/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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