Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1471-M, sub-§4-A is enacted to read:

4-A.__Restrictions on designation of critical pesticide control areas. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 4, when designation as a critical pesticide control area is proposed based on serious or longstanding impairment of the health of a person or group of persons, the board may not designate the area as a critical pesticide control area unless medical documentation verifies that the person or group of persons is sensitive to one or more pesticides and exposure to pesticides will cause serious or long-term impairment of the health of that person or group of persons.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 4, the board may not designate an area as a critical pesticide control area when the designation is proposed by or for the benefit of a person or group of persons that moves into an area of agricultural activity and subsequently seeks designation based on the contention that the use of pesticides is likely to cause serious or longstanding impairment of the health of the person or group of persons.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes criteria for the designation of an area as a critical pesticide control area when the designation is based on the health of a person or group of persons.