Legislative Advocacy
The Changing Legislative Landscape
Over the past two years, California's Legislature has experienced significant turnover due to term limits, which allow members to serve up to 12 years in either house. In 2022, 33 new legislators were elected, and this trend continues with 30 additional members set to take office in December 2024. This means that by the start of 2025, more than half of the Legislature will be new to the Capitol. While this rapid turnover presents challenges, such as reintroducing CAPMA to legislators and educating them on key industry issues, it also offers unique opportunities to engage with policymakers before biases are formed.
PAPCO’s Role in Advocacy
The Pest Advocacy Political Action Committee of California (PAPCO) has been instrumental in raising CAPMA’s profile within the Capitol. In 2024, PAPCO contributed $72,500 across 24 legislators, attending at least one event for each recipient. These efforts have strengthened CAPMA’s relationships and influence in Sacramento. Despite years of policy challenges, PAPCO has made significant strides in educating both new and seasoned legislators, highlighting the critical role of pest control professionals in protecting California’s businesses and communities.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2025 approaches, CAPMA is poised to leverage the opportunities presented by the changing Legislature. With so many new faces in office, it is more important than ever to actively engage with policymakers, educate them on the importance of pest control, and demonstrate the potential harm to California businesses and communities if the industry continues to face adverse legislation. CAPMA is committed to meeting with legislators early and often, advocating for reasonable policies, and ensuring the pest control industry remains a vital part of California’s economy and public health framework.
Through PAPCO’s efforts and CAPMA’s proactive approach, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for advancing the interests of pest management professionals across the state.
Over the past two years, California's Legislature has experienced significant turnover due to term limits, which allow members to serve up to 12 years in either house. In 2022, 33 new legislators were elected, and this trend continues with 30 additional members set to take office in December 2024. This means that by the start of 2025, more than half of the Legislature will be new to the Capitol. While this rapid turnover presents challenges, such as reintroducing CAPMA to legislators and educating them on key industry issues, it also offers unique opportunities to engage with policymakers before biases are formed.
PAPCO’s Role in Advocacy
The Pest Advocacy Political Action Committee of California (PAPCO) has been instrumental in raising CAPMA’s profile within the Capitol. In 2024, PAPCO contributed $72,500 across 24 legislators, attending at least one event for each recipient. These efforts have strengthened CAPMA’s relationships and influence in Sacramento. Despite years of policy challenges, PAPCO has made significant strides in educating both new and seasoned legislators, highlighting the critical role of pest control professionals in protecting California’s businesses and communities.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2025 approaches, CAPMA is poised to leverage the opportunities presented by the changing Legislature. With so many new faces in office, it is more important than ever to actively engage with policymakers, educate them on the importance of pest control, and demonstrate the potential harm to California businesses and communities if the industry continues to face adverse legislation. CAPMA is committed to meeting with legislators early and often, advocating for reasonable policies, and ensuring the pest control industry remains a vital part of California’s economy and public health framework.
Through PAPCO’s efforts and CAPMA’s proactive approach, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for advancing the interests of pest management professionals across the state.
*References to PCOC pertain to the organization prior to June 20, 2024. On that date, during the Annual Membership Meeting, the membership voted unanimously to rebrand as CAPMA.
2024 Legislative Highlights
AB 2552 (Freidman)
AB 2552 sought to extend existing bans on certain rodenticides to include Chlorophacinone and Warfarin, two first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs). Early versions of the bill contained provisions that posed significant threats to pest control companies, including:
CAPMA’s advocacy efforts successfully removed the buffer zone restrictions and the private right of action clause, which could have led to increased litigation and higher insurance costs. However, the final bill still bans the FGARs, classifies them as restricted materials, and introduces a new civil penalty process for violations.
Despite CAPMA’s opposition, AB 2552 was signed into law on September 25, 2024, and will take effect on January 1, 2025. CAPMA continues to monitor its implementation and advocate for science-based regulations.
- Removing agricultural exemptions within 5,000-foot buffer zones of wildlife habitats.
- Allowing private citizens to file lawsuits against pest control operators for alleged violations.
CAPMA’s advocacy efforts successfully removed the buffer zone restrictions and the private right of action clause, which could have led to increased litigation and higher insurance costs. However, the final bill still bans the FGARs, classifies them as restricted materials, and introduces a new civil penalty process for violations.
Despite CAPMA’s opposition, AB 2552 was signed into law on September 25, 2024, and will take effect on January 1, 2025. CAPMA continues to monitor its implementation and advocate for science-based regulations.
AB 2113 (Garcia)
Initially, AB 2113 was opposed by CAPMA due to its aggressive mill assessment increases with no tangible benefits to the industry. However, through collaboration and negotiation, CAPMA and other stakeholders helped reshape the bill into a compromise that provides critical benefits, including:
These provisions were seen as wins for the pest control industry, ensuring better service and accountability from regulatory agencies. AB 2113 was signed into law and represents CAPMA’s ability to influence legislation in a way that balances industry needs with state requirements.
- A gradual mill increase to 30 mills over four years.
- Defined timelines for the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to register products and reevaluate pesticides.
- Transparency measures, such as requiring DPR to post updates and timelines online.
These provisions were seen as wins for the pest control industry, ensuring better service and accountability from regulatory agencies. AB 2113 was signed into law and represents CAPMA’s ability to influence legislation in a way that balances industry needs with state requirements.
AB 3192 (Muratsuchi)
AB 3192 proposed banning the use of non-organic pesticides and fertilizers at major coastal resorts. This would have made it nearly impossible for these resorts to maintain landscapes or protect against pests and diseases effectively. Additionally, the bill included burdensome permit requirements and steep fines for minor infractions.
CAPMA opposed the bill, emphasizing its impracticality and potential economic impact. Due to CAPMA’s efforts, AB 3192 was held in the Appropriations Committee and is effectively dead for 2024. This early victory highlights CAPMA’s proactive approach to stopping harmful legislation before it gains traction.
CAPMA opposed the bill, emphasizing its impracticality and potential economic impact. Due to CAPMA’s efforts, AB 3192 was held in the Appropriations Committee and is effectively dead for 2024. This early victory highlights CAPMA’s proactive approach to stopping harmful legislation before it gains traction.
2023 Legislative Highlights
The 2023 Legislative Session was marked by unprecedented challenges and milestones. With over 3,000 measures introduced—the highest in more than a decade—lawmakers grappled with budget deficits, leadership changes, and a surge of new legislators. Among these, six bills significantly affected the pest control industry. Here's a closer look:
AB 307 (Chen)
Extending the Structural Fumigation Enforcement Program
- Overview: Extended the sunset date for the Structural Fumigation Enforcement Program under the Department of Pesticide Regulation to January 1, 2029. This follows a similar extension in 2022, allowing non-participating counties to join the program.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously through the Legislature and was signed into law on July 21, 2023.
AB 1322 (Friedman)
Rodenticide Restrictions
AB 1322, one of the most contentious measures of 2023, restricts the use of the rodenticide diphacinone and tightens regulations on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). The bill designates diphacinone as a restricted material and redefines "wildlife habitat area" to include parks and wildlife refuges managed by various governmental agencies and districts.
Further amendments required the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), to impose additional restrictions ensuring significant reductions in detectable levels of diphacinone and its metabolites in wildlife tissues. These measures were also extended to SGARs.
As the bill evolved, opposition from industry coalitions grew, including groups like the Almond Alliance of California and the California Structural Pest Control Board. DPR itself expressed serious concerns, highlighting operational impacts. Despite a robust campaign by stakeholders, including 300 letters to the Governor requesting a veto, and a formal opposition from the Department of Finance citing budgetary concerns, Governor Newsom signed AB 1322 into law on October 13, 2023.
AB 1322, one of the most contentious measures of 2023, restricts the use of the rodenticide diphacinone and tightens regulations on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). The bill designates diphacinone as a restricted material and redefines "wildlife habitat area" to include parks and wildlife refuges managed by various governmental agencies and districts.
Further amendments required the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), to impose additional restrictions ensuring significant reductions in detectable levels of diphacinone and its metabolites in wildlife tissues. These measures were also extended to SGARs.
As the bill evolved, opposition from industry coalitions grew, including groups like the Almond Alliance of California and the California Structural Pest Control Board. DPR itself expressed serious concerns, highlighting operational impacts. Despite a robust campaign by stakeholders, including 300 letters to the Governor requesting a veto, and a formal opposition from the Department of Finance citing budgetary concerns, Governor Newsom signed AB 1322 into law on October 13, 2023.
AB 1101 (Flora)
Opposed Liability Expansion for Branch 3 Inspections
- Overview: Would have allowed Branch 3 companies with 5+ years of experience to inspect exterior elevated elements of certain housing structures. PCOC opposed due to liability and insurance conflicts.
- Outcome: Held in Assembly Appropriations and did not resurface.
AB 1042 (Bauer-Kahan)
- Original Proposal: Required DPR to establish a Sustainable Pest Management Workgroup to minimize toxic pesticide use by 2024.
- Amendments: The bill was gutted and amended in March to regulate the use and disposal of pesticide-treated seeds.
- Outcome: PCOC removed opposition. The bill was held in Senate Agriculture committee, and CAPMA is no longer engaged.
AB 363 (Bauer-Kahan)
Neonicotinoid Restrictions
AB 363 initially proposed requiring the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to reevaluate the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on outdoor ornamental plants, trees, and turf and adopt necessary control measures to protect pollinators, ecosystems, and human health.
In September, significant amendments were made to the bill, introducing a prohibition effective January 1, 2025, on the sale, possession, or use of neonicotinoid pesticides for nonagricultural purposes on nonproduction outdoor or ornamental plants, trees, or turf. However, a critical industry-backed provision clarified that state-certified applicators and licensed pest control dealers are exempt from this restriction.
This key amendment mitigated potential negative impacts on the pest control industry, ensuring its operations could continue without disruption. Despite contentious debates in the Legislature, AB 363 passed and was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 8, 2023.
AB 363 initially proposed requiring the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to reevaluate the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on outdoor ornamental plants, trees, and turf and adopt necessary control measures to protect pollinators, ecosystems, and human health.
In September, significant amendments were made to the bill, introducing a prohibition effective January 1, 2025, on the sale, possession, or use of neonicotinoid pesticides for nonagricultural purposes on nonproduction outdoor or ornamental plants, trees, or turf. However, a critical industry-backed provision clarified that state-certified applicators and licensed pest control dealers are exempt from this restriction.
This key amendment mitigated potential negative impacts on the pest control industry, ensuring its operations could continue without disruption. Despite contentious debates in the Legislature, AB 363 passed and was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 8, 2023.
AB 652 (Lee)
Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC)
Initially, AB 652 proposed the establishment of a Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC) to integrate environmental justice into DPR’s policies and decision-making. However, the bill's original focus on agriculturally based groups raised significant concerns among diverse pesticide user groups, including pest management professionals, landscapers, vector control agencies, and others, as their interests were overlooked.
Through extensive negotiations by PCOC and allied industries, substantial amendments were secured in September, addressing key concerns:
These revisions mitigated potential industry impacts, leading to a balanced outcome. The bill was signed into law on October 10, 2023.
Initially, AB 652 proposed the establishment of a Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC) to integrate environmental justice into DPR’s policies and decision-making. However, the bill's original focus on agriculturally based groups raised significant concerns among diverse pesticide user groups, including pest management professionals, landscapers, vector control agencies, and others, as their interests were overlooked.
Through extensive negotiations by PCOC and allied industries, substantial amendments were secured in September, addressing key concerns:
- EJAC’s start date was postponed to January 1, 2026.
- Meeting frequency was reduced to a minimum of two per year (from four).
- Membership was scaled back to 11 members (from 15).
- The DPR Director was clarified as responsible for appointing committee members from nominations.
- EJAC was required to work with DPR to adopt its charter and establish an application process for member selection.
- Committee recommendations were mandated to involve public processes and feedback.
- Meetings were to be cofacilitated by EJAC members and DPR.
These revisions mitigated potential industry impacts, leading to a balanced outcome. The bill was signed into law on October 10, 2023.
2022 Legislative Highlights
SB 1064 (Newman)
Workers’ Compensation Mandate
Sponsored by PCOC, AB 1064 established a new requirement for structural pest control businesses to provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance as part of their licensing in California. This legislation enhances oversight and accountability within the pest control industry and represents a proactive step in improving industry standards.
Governor Newsom signed this landmark bill into law, marking a major legislative success for PCOC and its advocacy efforts.
Sponsored by PCOC, AB 1064 established a new requirement for structural pest control businesses to provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance as part of their licensing in California. This legislation enhances oversight and accountability within the pest control industry and represents a proactive step in improving industry standards.
Governor Newsom signed this landmark bill into law, marking a major legislative success for PCOC and its advocacy efforts.
AB 2452 (Chen)
Structural Fumigation Enforcement Program Extension
Another PCOC-sponsored bill, AB 2452, secured a one-year extension of the structural fumigation enforcement program. This measure ensures the continued oversight and enforcement of standards within the fumigation sector, supporting industry integrity and public safety. Like AB 1064, this bill faced no opposition and was signed into law by Governor Newsom, highlighting PCOC’s leadership in shaping industry regulations.
Another PCOC-sponsored bill, AB 2452, secured a one-year extension of the structural fumigation enforcement program. This measure ensures the continued oversight and enforcement of standards within the fumigation sector, supporting industry integrity and public safety. Like AB 1064, this bill faced no opposition and was signed into law by Governor Newsom, highlighting PCOC’s leadership in shaping industry regulations.
AB 2146 (Bauer-Kahan)
Opposition to Neonicotinoid Ban
AB 2146 proposed a sweeping ban on the sale, possession, and use of neonicotinoid pesticides in California, sparking widespread concern among pest control professionals. PCOC mounted a comprehensive opposition campaign, combining direct lobbying, social media advocacy, and membership engagement through voter voice outreach. This multifaceted effort, which included producing an explainer video on the bill’s potential impacts, effectively highlighted the industry’s concerns.
Ultimately, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 2146, reaffirming the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s authority over neonicotinoid regulation. The Governor’s veto message reflected many of PCOC’s arguments, demonstrating the significant influence of its advocacy. This victory underscores the power of unified industry engagement and PCOC’s ability to effect meaningful legislative outcomes.
AB 2146 proposed a sweeping ban on the sale, possession, and use of neonicotinoid pesticides in California, sparking widespread concern among pest control professionals. PCOC mounted a comprehensive opposition campaign, combining direct lobbying, social media advocacy, and membership engagement through voter voice outreach. This multifaceted effort, which included producing an explainer video on the bill’s potential impacts, effectively highlighted the industry’s concerns.
Ultimately, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 2146, reaffirming the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s authority over neonicotinoid regulation. The Governor’s veto message reflected many of PCOC’s arguments, demonstrating the significant influence of its advocacy. This victory underscores the power of unified industry engagement and PCOC’s ability to effect meaningful legislative outcomes.
2021 Legislative Highlights
AB 332 (Quirk)
- Summary: Extended disposal practices for treated wood waste, helping businesses comply with environmental regulations.
AB 1346 (Berman)
- Summary: Tightened regulations on small off-road engines, which are widely used in pest control.
2020 Legislative Highlights
AB 468 (Muratsuchi)
- Summary: Proposed banning glyphosate use near schools and mandating alternative pest management practices.
- Stance: Oppose
- Outcome: Successfully opposed and prevented the bill from receiving a hearing.
- Significance: Protected members’ ability to use effective pest control measures.
AB 1788 (Bloom)
- Summary: This bill prohibits the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) statewide until the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) director certifies specified measures have been taken to evaluate, restrict, and only use SGARs when necessary.
- Stance: Oppose
- Outcome: Signed into law.
- Significance: Reinforced the need for earlier coalition-building and robust advocacy.