House Bill No. 2998 proposes an amendment to the Local Government Code by adding Section 370.010, which mandates that municipalities and counties must obtain voter approval before conducting mass pesticide applications. The bill defines "mass pesticide application" as the use of a motor vehicle or mechanical device for pesticide application and specifies that the term "pesticide" aligns with the definition in the Agriculture Code. Under this new provision, a municipality or county cannot proceed with a mass pesticide application unless a majority of voters approve it during a designated election. Additionally, if the application occurs entirely within a municipality's boundaries, it does not require approval from the county's voters.

The governing body of the municipality or county is authorized to order an election for this purpose, and the ballot must clearly indicate whether voters are in favor of or against the proposed mass pesticide application. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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