BILL NUMBER: S1380
SPONSOR: SERRANO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to the cleaning of playground equipment after pesticide expo-
sure
 
PURPOSE:
To ensure playgrounds in state and municipal parks are cleaned following
pesticide applications.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 -adds a new section 29.17 to the Parks, Recreation, and
Historic Preservation Law to require all playground equipment shall be
cleaned within 24 hours of pesticide applications that are less than the
minimum prescribed distance from the equipment. The Department of Health
and the Department of Environmental. Conservation would be charged with
setting the minimum distance as well as method for cleaning.
Section 2 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Environmental Protection Agency reported that long-term, low-dose
exposure to pesticides can create risks for children over time. These
side effects can include behavioral changes, organ damage, forms of
cancer, and asthma symptoms. When pesticides are sprayed on or near
playground equipment, the residue can coat the surface. Children then
are touching and interacting with the playground equipment which exposes
them to the chemicals.
Public playgrounds are intended to be safe places for children to enjoy
the outdoors while allowing for cognitive, physical, and social develop-
ment. Many children regularly attend their local playground, putting
them at an unnecessary risk for long-term exposure.
Under existing law, schools are prohibited from spraying pesticides on
playgrounds, turf, or athletic fields. The Department of Environmental
Conservation discusses this measure on their website, noting that chil-
dren' are more vulnerable to the effects of the toxic effects of many
pesticides and chemicals.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022-2023: S.805 - Passed Senate. Delivered to Assembly
2021: S.1422 - Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism,Parks and Recre-
ation
2020: S.3571 - Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recre-
ation
2019: S.3571 - Passed Senate
2018: S.8447A- Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recre-
ation
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become law; provided, however, that effective immediately,
the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation neces-
sary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are
authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such
effective date.