Set initially at 8 mills, the assessment has incrementally increased until finally reaching 22 mills in 1992. Counties receive a percentage of these funds for local enforcement of pesticide regulations. The statutory provisions authorizing the current pesticide mill assessment rate of 22 mills which supports the State's pesticide regulatory program, sunsets effective July 1, 1997. Without subsequent legislative action, the mill assessment rate will revert to the prior rate of 9 mills which would result in a significant underfunding of the State's pesticide regulatory program. Mill assessment revenue will be reduced by approximately 60 percent.
Current language is permissive.
Specify that the Director also set, by regulation, the actual percentage of mill assessment revenues that are dedicated for local assistance to ensure a constant level of support for county programs. Provide that the initial assessment rate will be set lower than the maximum rate. To ensure timeliness of adoption, such amendments will likely require temporary procedural exemption under the Administrative Procedures Act. The BAC would include representatives of the Legislature, pesticide registrants, pesticide users, the general public, county agricultural commissioners, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and other agencies. All rights reserved.