This bill proposes an amendment to the West Virginia Pesticide Control Act by adding a new section, 19-16A-10a, which establishes restrictions on the application of specific pesticides near schools. The bill prohibits the use of pesticides that contain paraquat, atrazine, dicamba, chlorpyrifos, 2,4-D, glyphosate, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances within 1,000 feet of a school. It also defines how the distance should be measured, specifying that it should be from the closest point on the school property boundary to the area being sprayed.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances as a class of fluorinated chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. The new regulations are set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The overall aim of this legislation is to enhance the safety of school environments by limiting the use of potentially harmful pesticides in their vicinity.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-16A-10a