BILL NUMBER: S1380A
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 Histor-
ic Preservation Law that requires 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
(DOH) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) would be
charged with setting the minimum distance as well as method for clean-
ing.
Section 1 also requires DOH and DEC to establish standards for safe and
effective cleaning methods appropriate for the type of pesticides used,
requiring employer-provided PPE, and proper staffing protocols.
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 surfaces of that play-
ground equipment. Children are then touching and interacting with that
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 to chemicals.
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 toxic effects in 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.