2020 -- S 2639

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LC005103

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT TO AID IN PROTECTING CONSUMERS OF PESTICIDES

     Introduced By: Senators Euer, Sosnowski, Murray, Conley, and Lynch Prata

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2020

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

     WHEREAS, The Senate Special Legislative Commission to Study Pesticide Control

Regulations issued a report on June 22, 2018, which recommended, among other things, that

home users of pesticides must be educated about the dangers of pesticides and about the proper

application of pesticides so as not to harm themselves, other people, pollinators and other

animals; and

     WHEREAS, Many Rhode Island homeowners routinely apply pesticides on their lawns,

plants and gardens without appreciation of the inherent dangers and/or without reading the

instructions; and

     WHEREAS, In the United States, improper use and storage of pesticides causes hundreds

of illnesses each year some of which lead to deaths; and

     WHEREAS, It is essential to warn homeowners of the dangers of improper use of

pesticides in as simple and effective method as possible in order to ensure that instructions are

read and followed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) produce an

eye-catching notice or warning flier that will be prominently displayed where pesticides are sold

or provided in order to protect consumers of pesticides. The warning or notice shall include, but

not be limited to, informing consumers that the label on the pesticide should be read:

     (1) Before buying the product;

     (2) Before using the product;

     (3) Before giving first aid to someone poisoned by the product;

     (4) Before storing the product; and

     (5) Before disposing of the product’s container; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby requests DEM to report its findings and

implementation plan to the Senate on or before December 1, 2020; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Janet L. Coit, Director, Rhode Island

Department of Environmental Management.

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LC005103

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