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MaineLD 1697132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Increase Penalties to Deter Violations of the Laws Regarding Improper Pesticide Use

Sponsored By: Victoria Doudera (Democratic)

Became Law

PESTICIDESPESTICIDES - BOARD OF PESTICIDES CONTROL

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Much higher fines for repeat violators

Repeat pesticide violations within 4 years face steep fines. If the earlier case was in the benefit tier, fines can reach $150,000. Other repeat cases can reach $75,000. First violations can reach up to $10,000 or $50,000, depending on the case. The board sets benefit rules; clear proof that only one person benefited is initial proof of responsibility.

Higher fines for private applicators

Private pesticide applicators face higher civil fines. A first offense can cost up to $1,000. A repeat offense within 4 years can cost up to $2,000. These rules cover use and record‑keeping violations.

Clear penalties and property restoration rules

The Board of Pesticides Control must publish a clear penalty schedule. Owners can bring separate civil suits when chemicals move to multiple properties. Rules also allow property restoration and plant replacement, not just fines.

Tebuthiuron pesticides now restricted use

The Board labels tebuthiuron products as restricted use. Only certain people can buy or apply them under Board rules. This limits access but aims to prevent damage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Victoria Doudera

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Allison Hepler

    Democratic • House

  • Lori Gramlich

    Democratic • House

  • William Pluecker

    Independent • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 74 • No: 67

House vote • 6/5/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 74 • No: 67

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 292

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/9/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  4. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-486) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-486) in concurrence

    6/5/2025Senate

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative PLUECKER of Warren, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 340(Yeas 74 - Nays 67 - Absent 8 - Excused 2)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-486) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-486). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/5/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in concurrence

    4/17/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/17/2025House

Bill Text

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