NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Education (SDE)

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 440 appropriates $50.0 to SDE to contract for statewide services to assist public schools in the implementation of the State Board of Education Pest Management regulation.

Significant Issues

According to SDE, the State Board of Education regulation 9.13.4 requires school districts to: develop procedures for implementation of pesticides in schools; develop a list of parents and guardians who wish to be notified prior to pesticide application during the school year.

According to SDE they have partnered with the Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance in the implementation of this regulation. The department does not have staff with the expertise in the area of pest management. The department believes that the implementation of the pest management regulation in schools would benefit greatly from a one-time contract to provide assistance to schools in understanding and carrying out the regulation.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The bill appropriates $50.0 from the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The SDE would be required to determine the appropriate service provider and administer the contract to provide statewide services to assist schools.

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