SB 1602

Abstract

Requires Governor to facilitate mediation sessions between forest industry and environmental interest representatives. Identifies purposes and completion goal for, and provides for confidentiality of, mediation sessions. Requires joint legislative committee hearing during 2021 regular session regarding mediation process. Allows person to register with State Forestry Department to receive notice of pesticide applications by helicopter to forestland near person's residence or water intake used by person. Requires notice to department of proposed or imminent pesticide application by helicopter to forestland. Requires department to give notice of application to persons registered to receive notice. Requires notice to department upon completion or partial completion of pesticide application. Provides escalating penalties for failures to report. Caps penalties at $5,000 per day. Requires Pesticide Analytical and Response Center to accept requests from certain entities for records and data concerning pesticide application by helicopter to forestland. Imposes fine of $1,000 for pesticide operator failure to timely supply records or data. Prohibits interfering with pesticide application by helicopter to forestland. Makes violation subject to fine of $1,000 for first offense, or $5,000 for repeat offense, within five years. Prohibits pesticide application by helicopter to forestland in proximity to certain locations. Requires that certain rules apply in Siskiyou Georegion. Requires that inventoried points of diversion for water use qualifying for spray buffer be entered in department reporting system. Requires report to Legislative Assembly regarding inventory progress. Appropriates moneys to Office of Governor for biennium ending June 30, 2021, for paying expenses related to mediation sessions.] Appropriates moneys to State Forestry Department for biennium ending June 30, 2021, for department duties, functions and powers under Act with regard to private forests.] Increases limitation on expenditures for biennium ending June 30, 2021, by State Forestry Department for carrying out department duties, functions and powers under Act with regard to private forests.] Declares emergency, effective on passage.