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11 t ~;'r Minnesota Neighbor Notification Law Summary The purpose of this law is to allow individuals to take personal responsibility to protect themselves from exposure to pesticides. The law does not regulate the use or application of pesticides. Because the purpose of this law is the protecti9n of human health, responsibility for adopting regulations is delegated to the commissioner of the department of health. The commissioner is charged to cooperate with and assist other state agencies to protect public health from pesticide exposure. The law provides a uniform statewide standard that can be adopted by cities. The law sets out standards for notification to persons who may be affected by pesticide application so that they can take whatever steps they desire to reduce or avoid the exposure. Communities are not required to adopt the neighbor notification law, but if they do, they must fully comply with regulations adopted by the commissioner. The law sets out standards for the kinds of pesticides and pesticide applications that may lead to exposure. Applications of various low-risk pesticides are exempted from the requirements of the law, as are applications that minimize the possibility of exposure of other persons. The law is similar to a law that has been adopted in New York. The New York Neighbor Notification law (Laws of New York Chapter 285, Sections 33-1004,33-1005) creates a similar structure allowing for adoption of ordinances by local communities. The proposed statute is more comprehensive in that it is not limited to commercial lawn applications of pesticides. Summary of provisions: Section 1. Legislative findings. Provides the rationale for authorizing cities to adopt negihbor notification laws. Section 2. Definitions. Defines the key terms, such as "affected person," " exempt applications." etc. The definition of the term "pesticide" is taken from MS 18B. Section 3. Duties of commissioner. The Commissioner of Health is required to cooperate with other agencies and units of gevemment to allow affected person to minimize involuntary exposure to pesticides. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations implementing the law and creating a uniform statewide standard. Section 4. Neighbor notification. This section provides t}1e outline of the ordinance that can be adopted by cities. The ordinance requires retailers to post notices informing shoppers of the law. Persons making applications are required to give notification to persons on the premises and on premises that abut within 150 feet of the site of application. Notification is to be done by posting and by direct personal notice.