Illinois Senate Passes SB 783 (Continuing Education Credits for Pesticide Licenses)
Yesterday, the Illinois Senate passed SB 783 (Sen. Koelher) on a 50 to 4 vote. SB 783 is an initiative of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association to amend current procedures for pesticide licensing for applicators.
At the present time, applicators are required to meet certification and licensing standards in order to legally handle and supervise the use of pesticides. In Illinois, the current process involves passing an Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) pesticide general standards competency exam. To maintain pesticide certification and licensing, applicators are required to retake the exam once every 3 years.
SB 783 would adopt a continuing education credits (CECs) program, allowing holders of a current valid pesticide license to renew their license by seeking continual educational pesticide knowledge. SB 783 would require the IDOA to create a CEC program, providing an option where a licensed applicator completes a certain number of hours/credits per year for a 3-year re-certification/license period.
IFCA believes Illinois should utilize continuing education as an option to maintain an individual’s pesticide license. Continual training provides current information sharing and increased knowledge and awareness pertaining to pesticide application. This program is consistent with what many other Midwestern states are successfully using in providing ongoing continuous education when handling and applying pesticides.
SB 783 now moves to the Illinois House. Rep. Larry Walsh is the sponsor of SB783 in the House. May 31st is the end of session for the Illinois General Assembly. IFCA will keep pushing to get SB 783 passed in both chambers and on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk before the end of spring session. IFCA requests all members reach out to their state representatives and tell them to support SB 783. Contact information for all House members can be found here. If you have any questions regarding SB 783, please reach out to KJ at kj@ifca.com or call the IFCA office at 309-827-2774.
At the present time, applicators are required to meet certification and licensing standards in order to legally handle and supervise the use of pesticides. In Illinois, the current process involves passing an Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) pesticide general standards competency exam. To maintain pesticide certification and licensing, applicators are required to retake the exam once every 3 years.
SB 783 would adopt a continuing education credits (CECs) program, allowing holders of a current valid pesticide license to renew their license by seeking continual educational pesticide knowledge. SB 783 would require the IDOA to create a CEC program, providing an option where a licensed applicator completes a certain number of hours/credits per year for a 3-year re-certification/license period.
IFCA believes Illinois should utilize continuing education as an option to maintain an individual’s pesticide license. Continual training provides current information sharing and increased knowledge and awareness pertaining to pesticide application. This program is consistent with what many other Midwestern states are successfully using in providing ongoing continuous education when handling and applying pesticides.
SB 783 now moves to the Illinois House. Rep. Larry Walsh is the sponsor of SB783 in the House. May 31st is the end of session for the Illinois General Assembly. IFCA will keep pushing to get SB 783 passed in both chambers and on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk before the end of spring session. IFCA requests all members reach out to their state representatives and tell them to support SB 783. Contact information for all House members can be found here. If you have any questions regarding SB 783, please reach out to KJ at kj@ifca.com or call the IFCA office at 309-827-2774.
