Have you ever wondered
why Texas has one of the most comprehensive school IPM laws in
the country?
In 1981, the Chillicothe
Independent School District (ISD) was forced to close its doors
for four weeks because students experienced adverse reactions
to chemicals sprayed to control an ongoing head lice infestation
(Wichita Falls Times April 27, 1981). Lindane and toxaphene,
two potent agricultural insecticides not approved for such use,
were applied by unlicensed persons. Students reportedly suffered
rashes, headaches, and nausea after the application.
When was the law
passed?
In order to avoid a
repeat of the Chillicothe problem, State Representative John Hirshi
of Wichita Falls submitted House Bill 2751 during the 72nd
legislative session in 1991. The Texas Legislature passed HB 2751
requiring all Texas school districts to adopt Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) programs.
How long have the
schools in Texas been required to follow IPM practices?
Since September 1,
1995, all school districts in Texas have been required to use
integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Another requirement
is all pesticide applications on school grounds and in buildings
be made only when students are not expected to be present for
normal academic instruction or organized extracurricular activities
for at least 12 hours after the application.
Who is responsible
for enforcing the School IPM law?
The Texas Structural
Pest Control Board (SPCB) has the responsibility to develop and
enforce the standards for IPM programs for the school districts,
and to develop a list of approved pesticide products that may
be used in schools.
Did you know . .
. .
Because one incident
involving the misuse of pesticides, the state law now (Article
135B-6, Section 4B) requires all pest control practices to be
performed by a State of Texas certified applicator.
Sections of the law can be recognized by their Article and section
number. The portion of the Texas Civil Code that dealt with laws
pertaining to pest control includes Article 135b-6 and the sections
within. When the 72nd State Legislature in 1991 passed the IPM in
school's law, they created a new section under Article 135b-6, section
4J entitled, Integrated Pest Management School Program. In 2002, the
Texas Legislature amended the Texas Civil Code and re-codified the law
so it could be found in an easier manner. The School IPM law can now be
found on the Texas State Capital website the Law: Occupational Code,
Chapter 1951. Structural Pest Control Board The code relating to School IPM is short and very general;
however, it gave the SPCB the authority to require schools to practice
IPM.
In 1995 the Texas Structural Pest Control Board approved a set of
regulations that explained how they would interpret the law. This is
the real meat of today's school IPM statute; this section is most
commonly referred to as Section 595.11.
