State Bill Would Expand Pesticide Restrictions
HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut state lawmakers are considering whether to expand restrictions on pesticide use to include more public places like parks, playgrounds and municipal greens.
Legislators say they drafted a bill to shield children from toxic lawn pesticides. The General Assembly’s Environment Committee has scheduled a public hearing on the proposal and other bills for 1 pm Monday at the Legislative Office Building.
The bill would expand current restrictions on using pesticides at schools to include all high schools. It also would restrict their use at parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and town greens.
Members of a state association of public parks and recreation officials oppose the bill. They say it has little basis in science and would lead to more injuries on sports fields because of turf damage from insects.