SB 911

Abstract

Aerial pesticide application; Virginia Pollinator Protection Strategy; civil penalty. Requires any commercial or private pesticide applicator performing an aerial pesticide application, as defined in the bill, to submit certain relevant information to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and to certain beekeepers located within a five-mile radius no less than five days prior to such application. The bill provides that any commercial applicator or private applicator who violates the provisions of the bill is subject to a civil penalty of $500 for a first offense and $2,500 for each additional offense. The bill requires the Department to post and maintain on its website certain information related to aerial pesticide applications and allows any aggrieved person to institute a proceeding for injunction or mandamus against any person or agency that has engaged, is engaged, or is about to engage in any acts or practices in violation of the provisions of the bill. The bill also requires the Virginia Pollinator Protection Strategy plan to support awareness among beekeepers and the general public of proposed aerial pesticide applications submitted to the Department and posted on its website.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 3.2-108.1 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 3 of Chapter 39 of Title 3.2 a section numbered 3.2-3934.1, relating to aerial pesticide applications; Virginia Pollinator Protection Strategy; civil penalty.