All Roll Calls
Yes: 83 • No: 22
UtahS.B. 262026 General SessionSenateWALLET
Pest Control Amendments
Sponsored By: Keven J. Stratton (Republican)
Signed by Governor
AgricultureEnvironmentNatural ResourcesAdministrative RulemakingBusiness Licensing
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 3 mixed.
Pesticide workers face fines and suspensions
Beginning May 6, 2026, individuals face fines up to $1,000 for each violation related to ornamental and turf technicians. The department can deny, suspend, or revoke technician and salesperson permits for cause. Suspended or revoked permits and certified applicator licenses must be returned within 14 days after notice. Late permit returns can bring fines up to $100 for each further 14-day period. For certified applicator licenses, the law makes that fine mandatory rather than optional, keeping the $100-per-period maximum.
Narrower exam waivers for pesticide applicators
Utah limits exam waivers for noncommercial, commercial, and private certified applicator applicants under agreements with other states. The department may waive an exam requirement specified in a rule, rather than any or all exam requirements. The other state's exam requirements and licensing standards must be substantially similar to Utah's.
New permits for lawn herbicide workers
Beginning May 6, 2026, technicians need permits for commercial ornamental or turf applications of general-use herbicides labeled “caution” or “warning.” This weed-control category covers herbicide use to maintain or protect ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, or turf. Technicians must complete approved video training each application year and work under indirect supervision by a same-business licensed certified applicator. They must understand and follow labels; this permit does not authorize other pesticides, and employers are responsible for meeting these requirements. Utah can set technician training and supervision rules and salesperson training and solicitation rules, and must report implementation progress by the November 2026 interim committee meeting.
Pesticide salespeople need permits and training
Beginning May 6, 2026, pesticide salespeople need permits before seeking agreements for pesticide applications. They must work for registered businesses, complete approved video training each calendar year, and not misrepresent the service. Both salesperson and technician applicants must apply, show required training, have no outstanding infractions or department debts, and pay department-set fees. Their permits may be issued annually, expire December 31, and require the same application process for renewal. Fee amounts are not stated; the department can use this money only to administer and enforce pesticide law.
Changed entry rules for pesticide businesses
Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah removes the pesticide business qualifying-party role and its specific owner credential and experience requirements. Registration applicants must still show competence and good character, meet department certification rules, and have no outstanding infractions or department debts. Businesses pay a department-set registration fee, no longer tied to their number of applicators. The fee supports only pesticide law administration and enforcement; the law does not set its amount. Registration certificates expire December 31 of the second calendar year after issuance.
Pesticide businesses face new staffing rules
Beginning May 6, 2026, pesticide application businesses must employ at least one licensed certified applicator. They may also employ permitted technicians and salespeople, and must ensure employees follow pesticide rules. Businesses must ensure applicators and technicians understand and follow pesticide labels. Utah can create a separate registration option for businesses that market applications, apply no pesticides, and employ only salespeople. That option is available only after the department adopts a rule.
Pesticide injury liability protection is removed
The law removes a rule shielding people from liability for pesticide misuse or misapplication injuries unless they were negligent. This removes a stated legal protection for people accused of causing injuries. It may help injured people pursue claims, but does not set damages or guarantee recovery.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Keven J. Stratton
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Carl R. Albrecht
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/4/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 48 • No: 22
House vote • 1/28/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/20/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 26 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/26/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/2/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/2/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
2/6/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
2/6/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
2/4/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/4/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/4/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
2/4/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/4/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
2/4/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
1/29/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
1/29/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
1/28/2026House/ to standing committee
1/27/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
1/21/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
1/21/2026HouseSenate/ to House
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
1/20/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/2/2026
Introduced
12/5/2025