Governor Rell Signs Bill Regulating

Pesticide Use at Day Care Centers

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today held a bill signing ceremony at a child day care center in Glastonbury for legislation that adds day care centers to the list of places where the use of pesticides on lawns and gardens is restricted.

            The legislation – Senate Bill 1020, An Act Concerning Pesticide Applications at Child Day Care Centers and Schools – also streamlines the state laws governing the application of pesticides at places like child day care centers, adult day care centers and family day care centers.

            “This is a perfect place to be celebrating the passage of this bill,” Governor Rell said at the Glastonbury KinderCare Center, noting that the center prides itself on rigorous adherence to regulations governing pesticide use. “These common-sense restrictions will protect our children from harsh chemicals and potential allergic reactions, while giving day care centers and similar facilities the flexibility they need to deal with emergency situations. All of these steps are important to protect the health and safety of our children. No resource is more precious.”

            Under the new law, pesticides can only be sprayed at day care centers during operating hours by licensed experts except in emergency situations to deal with threats such as ticks, mosquitoes or stinging insects like bees and wasps. Records of pesticide applications must be maintained at the facility for five years.

            The bill also requires that children be kept away from treated areas for the full time spelled out on the pesticide label, and requires day care centers give 24-hour notice of planned pesticide applications to parents and guardians who have requested such notification. In cases of emergency application, notice must be given as soon as possible afterward.

            The legislation takes effect October 1.