Tyler Harper

The Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission convened to discuss several key updates and legislative matters. The UGA Urban Entomology department provided an update. The department updates included the celebration of National Pest Management Month and the SPD's 70th anniversary. Discussions also covered the upcoming Pesticide Clean Day event. The Compliance and Enforcement team is investigating a cheating incident and working with the Attorney General's office. Policy changes regarding recertifications were implemented, removing the limit on credits per category at workshops and conferences. The legislative update included the tabling of HB529 and the passage of SB144 and SB68 & SB69. Rulemaking discussions focused on clarifying definitions and ensuring consistency between WDO, HBR, and HPC contract rules. The commission also discussed the IRC Building Code subcommittee meeting and revisions to R305.1 and R305.2. NPMA provided an update, highlighting the theme of Innovation in Action and monitoring legislation across the country, particularly rodenticide restriction bills.

The meeting included updates from UGA Urban Entomology, the department and program, compliance, and certification and training. Discussions covered the gasoline shortage, the re-appointment of a commission member, and an EPA webinar. The commission also discussed license renewals, training limits, and cheating incidents. Legislative updates were provided, along with updates on the proposed spray foam insulation code amendment and the Honeybee Control and Removal rule. The meeting also touched on fumigant clearing equipment, rodenticide prohibition, the 3-day right to cancel for contracts, and the employee shortage in the pest control industry. The commission approved company license applications.

The meeting included updates on urban entomology, the department's activities, compliance and enforcement, certification and training, and outreach efforts. Discussions covered the Yellow-legged Hornet, pesticide use records, registered employee training, and upcoming events. The commission addressed revisions to SPCC Policy 13-01 regarding recertification, changes in licensing fee processing, and potential rule changes. Updates were provided on the IRC Building Code subcommittee meeting and NPMA legislative day. The commission also approved several company license applications.

The meeting included updates on UGA Urban Entomology, focusing on a potential economic impact study for the Georgia pest management industry. Department updates covered pesticide sampling workshops, a Pesticide Clean Day, and upcoming meetings with EPA officials. Compliance and enforcement updates highlighted the most frequent violations and the quarterly newsletter. Certification and training updates discussed a meeting with the EPA regarding a new C&T plan. An outreach report covered workshops, pollinator protection outreach, and a school IPM project. Honeybee control and removal updates included pre-exam training and website information. Discussion included removing spray foam insulation updates from future agendas and considering new topics such as household pest control and mosquito control operators. Legislative updates covered the 2022 session and upcoming elections. NPMA updates addressed pre-emption bills, neonicotinoid bans, pesticide licensing, and rodenticides. Finally, company license applications were approved.

The meeting included updates from the NPMA, UGA Urban Entomology, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Discussions focused on the NPMA's concerns regarding the EPA's draft decision on rodenticides, the UGA's economic analysis of the pest management industry, and legislative updates. The commission reviewed compliance and enforcement data, certification and training matters, and outreach activities. Updates were also given on the statewide inspector meeting, the yellow-legged hornet situation, and the Athens Technical College MOA. Several company applications for licenses were approved.