Illinois House Passes SB783 on 116-0 Vote!
Yesterday, on the last day of the spring session, the Illinois House passed SB 783 (Rep Walsh) on a 116 to 0 vote. SB 783 is an initiative of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association to amend current procedures for pesticide licensing for applicators. Last week, the Illinois Senate passed SB783 (Sen Koelher) on a 50-4 vote. This now moves to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk.
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.
As soon as Governor Pritzker signs SB 783, IFCA will let our membership know. When the legislation is signed into law, IFCA, commodity groups, and the IDOA will begin having discussions on the rule making process. IFCA is aware that this might take some time to put in place. We will be informing our members of a timeline of when we believe continuous education credits will be available. Please keep monitoring the IFCA website and newsletters for any updates.
If you have any questions on SB 783, please do not hesitate to reach out to IFCA. We want to thank our members for all of your support in helping get this legislation passed.
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.
As soon as Governor Pritzker signs SB 783, IFCA will let our membership know. When the legislation is signed into law, IFCA, commodity groups, and the IDOA will begin having discussions on the rule making process. IFCA is aware that this might take some time to put in place. We will be informing our members of a timeline of when we believe continuous education credits will be available. Please keep monitoring the IFCA website and newsletters for any updates.
If you have any questions on SB 783, please do not hesitate to reach out to IFCA. We want to thank our members for all of your support in helping get this legislation passed.