C.R.S. § 35-10-101 Short title
35-10-101. Short title. This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Pesticide Applicators' Act".
Pesticide Applicators' Act
C.R.S. tit. 35, art. 10
in effectC.R.S. § 35-10-102 Legislative declaration
35-10-102. Legislative declaration. The general assembly hereby finds and declares that pesticides perform a valuable function in controlling insects, rodents, weeds, and other forms of life which may be injurious to crops, livestock, and other desirable forms of plant and animal life, to structures, and to individuals. The general assembly further finds and declares that pesticides contain toxic substances which may pose a serious risk to the public health and safety and that regulation of pesticide use is necessary to prevent adverse effects on individuals and the environment.
C.R.S. § 35-10-103 Definitions
35-10-103. Definitions. As used in this article 10, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Certified operator" means an individual who applies any restricted-use pesticides for a commercial applicator, registered limited commercial applicator, or registered public applicator, without the on-site supervision of a qualified supervisor and that should be licensed pursuant to section 35-10-114.
(2) "Commercial applicator" means any person, other than a private applicator, who engages in the business of applying pesticides for hire or operating a device for hire that is designated by the commissioner as requiring licensure for use under this article.
(3) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture.
(4) "Department" means the department of agriculture.
(5) "Device" means any instrument or contrivance, other than a firearm, intended for trapping, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest or any other form of plant or animal life (other than man and other than bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms on or in living man or other living animals); except that "device" shall not include equipment used for the application of pesticides when sold separately therefrom.
(6) "EPA" means the United States environmental protection agency.
(7) "General-use pesticide" means any pesticide so designated by the commissioner or the administrator of the EPA.
(8) "Limited commercial applicator" means any person engaged in applying pesticides in the course of conducting a business other than the production of any agricultural commodity; except that such application shall be only in or on property owned or leased by the person or the person's employer.
(8.5) "Local government" means a county, home rule county, city, town, city and county, home rule city, special district, or other political subdivision of the state.
(9) "Pest" means any insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed, or other form of terrestrial or aquatic plant or animal life or virus, bacteria, or other microorganism (except viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms on or in living man or in other living animals) which the commissioner or the administrator of the EPA declares to be a pest.
(10) "Pesticide" means any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest or any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant; except that the term "pesticide" shall not include any article that is a "new animal drug" as designated by the United States food and drug administration.
(11) "Plant regulator" means any substance or mixture of substances intended, through physiological action, for accelerating or retarding the rate of growth or rate of maturation or for otherwise altering the behavior of plants or the produce thereof; except that "plant regulator" shall not include substances to the extent that they are intended as plant nutrients, trace elements, nutritional chemicals, plant inoculants, and soil amendments. Also, "plant regulator" shall not be required to include any of those nutrient mixtures or soil amendments which are commonly known as vitamin-hormone horticultural products, intended for improvement, maintenance, survival, health, and propagation of plants, which are not for pest destruction and which are nontoxic and nonpoisonous in the undiluted packaged concentration.
(11.5) "Private applicator" means any person who uses or supervises the use of a pesticide for purposes of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or leased by the applicator or the applicator's employer or, if the pesticide is applied without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities, on the property of another person.
tion.
(11.5) "Private applicator" means any person who uses or supervises the use of a pesticide for purposes of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or leased by the applicator or the applicator's employer or, if the pesticide is applied without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities, on the property of another person.
(12) "Public applicator" means any agency of the state, any county, city and county, or municipality, or any other local governmental entity or political subdivision which applies pesticides.
(13) "Qualified supervisor" means any individual who, without supervision, evaluates pest problems or recommends pest controls using pesticides or devices that require licensure under this article for use; mixes, loads, or applies any pesticide; sells pesticide application services; operates devices that require licensure under this article for use; or supervises others in any of these functions.
(14) "Restricted-use pesticide" means any pesticide designated as a restricted- or limited-use pesticide by the commissioner or as a restricted-use pesticide by the administrator of the EPA.
(15) (a) "Technician" means any individual who:
(I) Uses, under the supervision of a qualified supervisor, a device that requires licensure under this article for use;
(II) Mixes, loads, or applies general-use pesticides under the supervision of a qualified supervisor, mixes or loads restricted-use pesticides under the supervision of a qualified supervisor, or applies restricted-use pesticides under the on-site supervision of a qualified supervisor; or
(III) Evaluates pest problems, recommends products or treatments for pest problems, or sells application services under the supervision of a qualified supervisor.
(b) "Technician" does not include any individual whose duties are solely clerical or janitorial or otherwise completely disassociated from pest control.
(16) "Under the on-site supervision of" refers to work performed by an individual acting under the instruction and control of a qualified supervisor who is present at the work site at the time the work is being performed.
(17) "Under the supervision of" refers to work performed by an individual acting under the instruction and control of a qualified supervisor, even if the qualified supervisor is not physically present at the work site at the time the work is performed.
(18) "Use" means:
(a) Pre-application activities involving mixing and loading a pesticide;
(b) Applying the pesticide, including supervising the use of a pesticide by a noncertified applicator; and
(c) Other pesticide-related activities, including:
(I) Transporting or storing pesticide containers that have been opened;
(II) Cleaning equipment; and
(III) Disposing of excess pesticides, spray mix, equipment wash water, pesticide containers, and other pesticide-containing materials.
C.R.S. § 35-10-104 Scope of article
35-10-104. Scope of article. (1) Any person who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide or device in the state of Colorado shall be subject to this article and to any rules adopted pursuant thereto.
(2) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 1260, § 2, effective January 1, 2007.)
C.R.S. § 35-10-105 Commercial applicator - business license required
35-10-105. Commercial applicator - business license required. Any person acting as a commercial applicator must possess a valid commercial applicator business license issued by the commissioner in accordance with this article and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. A commercial applicator business license may only be issued for the class or subclass of pesticide application in which the qualified supervisor employed or otherwise retained by the commercial applicator is licensed.
C.R.S. § 35-10-106 Commercial applicator - license requirements - application - fees
35-10-106. Commercial applicator - license requirements - application - fees. (1) As requisites for licensure, the applicant for a commercial applicator business license shall:
(a) Obtain liability insurance in the minimum amount of four hundred thousand dollars with the provision that such policy shall not be canceled unless written notice is provided to the commissioner at least ten days prior to such cancellation; except that liability insurance policies containing a so-called "pollution exclusion" shall satisfy this paragraph (a);
(b) Employ or secure the services by documented agreement of a qualified supervisor who is licensed in the class or subclass of pesticide application or device use performed by the business;
(c) Provide verifiable training to all technicians in his employ according to standards adopted by the commissioner;
(d) Identify all pesticide application equipment in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner;
(e) If it engages in aerial application of pesticides, possess a certificate issued by the federal aviation administration as specified in license qualifications adopted by the commissioner.
(2) Each applicant for a commercial applicator business license shall submit an application providing all information in the form and manner the commissioner shall designate, including, but not limited to, verification that the applicant has complied with subsection (1) of this section.
(3) (a) If a commercial applicator operates under more than one business name from a single location, the name of each such business providing services related to pesticide application shall be listed with the commissioner in the form and manner he shall designate. The commissioner may require that a separate fee be paid for each business name so listed.
(b) No additional commercial applicator business license shall be required for such additional business names.
(c) If a commercial applicator operates under more than one business name from a single location, the applicator must maintain separate pesticide application records pursuant to section 35-10-111 and separate business records for each such business name.
(4) Each applicant for a commercial applicator business license shall pay a license fee in an amount determined by the commissioner.
(5) The expiration date of each commercial applicator business license shall be determined by the commissioner, but the duration of such license shall not exceed three years.
(6) Each licensee shall report to the commissioner, in the form and manner the commissioner shall designate, any change to the information provided in such licensee's application or in such reports previously submitted, within fifteen days of such change.
C.R.S. § 35-10-107 Commercial applicator business license - renewals
35-10-107. Commercial applicator business license - renewals. (1) Each commercial applicator shall make an application to renew its business license on or before the expiration date of the license. Said application shall be in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner and shall be accompanied by the renewal fee.
(2) If the application for renewal is not received on or before the expiration date of the license, a penalty fee of ten percent of the renewal fee shall be assessed and added to the renewal fee. No license shall be renewed until the total fee is paid.
(3) If the application and fee for renewal are not received on or before the thirtieth day following the expiration date of the license, the business license shall not be renewed, and the commercial applicator shall apply for a new license.
C.R.S. § 35-10-108 Commercial applicators - invoice notice
35-10-108. Commercial applicators - invoice notice. Commercial applicators shall include a statement in conspicuous type on each customer invoice that indicates that commercial applicators are licensed by the department. Said statement shall be exactly prescribed by rule adopted by the commissioner.
C.R.S. § 35-10-109 Limited commercial and public applicators - no business license required - training - rules
35-10-109. Limited commercial and public applicators - no business license required - training - rules. (1) A business license is not required for limited commercial or public applicators; except that the commissioner shall require such applicators that apply restricted-use pesticides to register with the department. The commissioner shall determine the form and manner of the registration, as well as the amount of any administrative fees associated with the registration. A limited commercial or public applicator may register voluntarily, regardless of whether the applicator applies restricted-use pesticides, by submitting a request in the form and manner specified by the commissioner.
(2) (a) A public applicator shall not allow a person working for it to apply a general-use pesticide that has been listed by the commissioner by rule unless the person has been trained in the core elements of pesticide use as required by the commissioner by rule. The public applicator shall maintain a record of the training as specified by the commissioner by rule.
(b) The owner or designee of a limited commercial applicator must be trained in the core elements of pesticide use as required by the commissioner by rule before applying a general-use pesticide that has been listed by the commissioner by rule. The limited commercial applicator shall maintain a record of the training as specified by the commissioner by rule.
C.R.S. § 35-10-110 Registered limited commercial and registered public applicators - requirements for operation
35-10-110. Registered limited commercial and registered public applicators - requirements for operation. (1) For each class or subclass of pesticide application a registered limited commercial or registered public applicator applies, the applicator shall employ at least one qualified supervisor who is licensed in that class or subclass of pesticide application or shall secure the services of such qualified supervisor by documented agreement.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, no registered public applicator shall be required to pay licensing or certification fees for any qualified supervisor or certified operator whom the applicator may employ.
(3) Every registered limited commercial or registered public applicator shall provide verifiable training to all technicians in its employ according to standards adopted by the commissioner. Such standards shall be identical to those adopted by the commissioner with respect to commercial applicators pursuant to section 35-10-106 (1)(c).
(4) If the commissioner, pursuant to section 35-10-109, establishes a registry of limited commercial and public applicators, he or she may also require that each registered applicator report, in the form and manner the commissioner shall designate, any change to the information provided by such applicator to the registry or in any such reports previously submitted, within fifteen days after said change.
C.R.S. § 35-10-111 Record-keeping requirements
35-10-111. Record-keeping requirements. (1) Each commercial, registered limited commercial, licensed private, and registered public applicator shall keep and maintain records of each pesticide application in the form and manner designated by the commissioner. The applicator shall retain the records for three years after the date of the pesticide application; except that the record retention period for private applicators is two years.
(2) The records shall be kept as follows:
(a) For a commercial applicator, at the address specified in the application for the commercial applicator's business license;
(b) For a registered limited commercial or registered public applicator, at the address specified in the registry authorized in section 35-10-109; or
(c) For a licensed private applicator, at the address of record on file with the commissioner.
C.R.S. § 35-10-112 Notification requirements - registry of pesticide-sensitive persons - preemption - rules
35-10-112. Notification requirements - registry of pesticide-sensitive persons - preemption - rules. (1) (a) (I) The commissioner shall promulgate rules for the establishment of a registry of pesticide-sensitive persons to be maintained by the department. Pesticide-sensitive persons may apply to be placed on the registry if they can provide proof of medical justification by a physician licensed in Colorado in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner. To remain on the registry, a pesticide-sensitive person must update the person's proof of medical justification every two years. The department shall update the registry at least annually, and make the published registry readily accessible, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, to all commercial, registered limited commercial, and registered public applicators on record with the commissioner.
(II) In applying to be placed on the registry, a pesticide-sensitive person may list a principal:
(A) Residential address;
(B) Employment address; and
(C) School address.
(b) The commissioner shall provide standardized notification signs to any person accepted for the registry for such person to post on his property. These signs shall be designed, manufactured, and distributed solely by the department.
(c) (I) A commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator, prior to applying a pesticide in any turf or ornamental category, shall take reasonable actions to give notice of the date and approximate time of any such pesticide application, prior to the application, to any pesticide-sensitive person whose name is on the published registry and:
(A) Who has listed the property to be treated as the person's principal residential, employment, or school address pursuant to subsection (1)(a)(II) of this section;
(B) Who resides on property that abuts the property to be treated; or
(C) Who resides in a multiunit dwelling that abuts a common area to be treated.
(II) If two property sites would be considered to be abutting but for the fact that such sites are separated by an alley, for the purposes of this section such sites are deemed to be abutting.
(III) In notifying a pesticide-sensitive person pursuant to this section, a commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator may provide the notice electronically.
(d) A commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator in the wood-destroying organism pest control, residential or commercial pest control, or interior plant pest control categories, prior to making a structural pesticide application to a multiunit dwelling, shall take reasonable actions to give notice of the date and approximate time of any such pesticide application, prior to the application, to any pesticide-sensitive person whose name is on the published registry and who resides at that multiunit dwelling.
(e) The commissioner may establish rules to further clarify the circumstances and manner in which notice shall be given to pesticide-sensitive persons.
e reasonable actions to give notice of the date and approximate time of any such pesticide application, prior to the application, to any pesticide-sensitive person whose name is on the published registry and who resides at that multiunit dwelling.
(e) The commissioner may establish rules to further clarify the circumstances and manner in which notice shall be given to pesticide-sensitive persons.
(f) (I) On or before July 1, 2024, the department shall develop a searchable database of all properties that abut, or are entirely located within two hundred fifty feet of, any residential property listed in the registry of pesticide-sensitive persons. If a property is only partially located within two hundred fifty feet of a residential property listed in the registry, and does not abut the residential property, the department shall not include the property in the searchable database.
(II) When developing the searchable database pursuant to this subsection (1)(f), the department must:
(A) Through the commissioner, adopt rules requiring a commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator to provide notice to a pesticide-sensitive person if the commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator treats a property that is listed in the searchable database as abutting, or being entirely located within two hundred fifty feet of, the pesticide-sensitive person's listed residential property. A commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator is not required to provide notice pursuant to this subsection (1)(f)(II)(A) unless and until the commissioner adopts rules pursuant to this subsection (1)(f)(II)(A).
(B) Periodically update the searchable database as needed; and
(C) Provide access to the searchable database to all commercial, registered limited commercial, and registered public applicators.
(III) It is an affirmative defense to an allegation that a commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator violated rules adopted pursuant to subsection (1)(f)(II)(A) of this section if a failure to notify a pesticide-sensitive person of the treatment of a property that abuts, or is located entirely within two hundred fifty feet of, the pesticide-sensitive person's listed residential property resulted from the fact that the treated property was not listed in the searchable database at the time of the treatment.
(2) (a) Any commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator making a pesticide application in any turf or ornamental category shall, at the time of application, post a sign or signs notifying the public of the application. Such signs shall be posted at any conspicuous point or points of entry to the property receiving the application.
(b) Any commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator making a pesticide application in any aquatic category shall post, at the time of application, a sign or signs notifying the public of the application. Such signs shall be posted in the manner designated by the commissioner through the adoption of rules pursuant to article 4 of title 24, C.R.S.
(c) The notice-of-application signs specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection (2) shall be water resistant and shall measure at least four inches in height and five inches in width. Each sign shall contain the following information in black lettering and symbols on a bright yellow background:
(I) The word "WARNING", in at least sixty-point bold-faced type;
(II) The words "PESTICIDES APPLIED", in at least twenty-four-point bold-faced type;
(III) The symbol of a circle at least two inches in diameter with a diagonal slash over an adult, child, and dog; and
(IV) The name of the commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator that made the application, in at least eighteen-point bold-faced type.
sixty-point bold-faced type;
(II) The words "PESTICIDES APPLIED", in at least twenty-four-point bold-faced type;
(III) The symbol of a circle at least two inches in diameter with a diagonal slash over an adult, child, and dog; and
(IV) The name of the commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator that made the application, in at least eighteen-point bold-faced type.
(d) If a commercial or registered limited commercial applicator makes a pesticide application on a commercial property site pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection (2) and an owner of the site or an agent of an owner of the site is not present at the site, then, in addition to the information required by paragraph (c) of this subsection (2), the notice-of-application signs posted by the applicator at the site shall also contain the following information in black lettering and symbols on a bright yellow background in at least eighteen-point bold-faced type:
(I) The telephone number of the applicator;
(II) The name of the pesticide applied; and
(III) The date the pesticide was applied.
(3) No county, city and county, municipality, home rule county, home rule city and county, or home rule municipality shall enact or impose any notification requirements upon commercial applicators which are more stringent than those imposed by this article; except that each county, city and county, municipality, home rule county, home rule city and county, and home rule municipality shall retain the authority to impose any notification requirements upon private individuals, property owners, and the general public. Any such notification requirement imposed by any county, city and county, municipality, home rule county, home rule city and county, or home rule municipality on private individuals, property owners, or the general public shall not be held to be applicable to any commercial applicator, nor shall any commercial applicator be exposed to any liability for a failure to comply with any such notification requirement.
C.R.S. § 35-10-112.5 Statewide uniformity of pesticide control and regulation - exceptions
35-10-112.5. Statewide uniformity of pesticide control and regulation - exceptions. (1) The general assembly hereby determines that:
(a) The citizens of this state benefit from a system of safe, effective, and scientifically sound pesticide regulation;
(b) A system of pesticide regulation that is consistent and coordinated, that creates statewide uniform standards, and that conforms with both state and federal technical standards and requirements is essential to the public health, safety, and welfare, and finds that local regulation of pesticides that is inconsistent with and adopts different standards from federal and state requirements does not assist in achieving these benefits;
(c) Through statute and regulation, the state has created a system of pesticide regulation based upon scientific standards that protects the citizens of this state;
(d) Although the cultivation of marijuana is illegal under federal law and so the use of pesticides in cultivating marijuana is not specifically allowed by any pesticide's label, the cultivation of marijuana is specifically allowed and regulated by Colorado law, and the use of pesticides should be regulated pursuant to this article and rules promulgated pursuant to this article rather than pursuant to local laws; and
(e) Pesticide regulation is a matter of statewide concern.
(2) A local government shall not adopt or continue in effect any ordinance, rule, resolution, charter provision, or statute regarding the use of any pesticide by persons regulated by this article or federal law and pertaining to:
(a) Any labeling or registration requirements for pesticides, including requirements regarding the name of the product, the name and address of the manufacturer, and any applicable registration numbers;
(b) (I) The use and application of pesticides by persons regulated by this article or federal law, including but not limited to, directions for use, classification of pesticides as general or restricted use, mixing and loading, site of application, target pest, dosage rate, method of application, application equipment, frequency and timing of applications, application rate, reentry intervals, worker specifications, container storage and disposal, required intervals between application and harvest of food or feed crops, rotational crop restrictions, and warnings against use on certain crops, animals, or objects or against use in or adjacent to certain areas.
(II) Subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (b) applies to the use and application of pesticides by persons regulated by this article or federal law in connection with the cultivation of marijuana.
(c) Except as specifically provided in this article, any warnings and precautionary statements, notifications, or statements of practical treatment; or
(d) Licensure, training, or certification requirements for persons regulated under this article, including any insurance and record-keeping requirements.
ns regulated by this article or federal law in connection with the cultivation of marijuana.
(c) Except as specifically provided in this article, any warnings and precautionary statements, notifications, or statements of practical treatment; or
(d) Licensure, training, or certification requirements for persons regulated under this article, including any insurance and record-keeping requirements.
(3) (a) Nothing in this article may be construed to limit the authority of a local government as defined by state law to:
(I) Zone for the sale or storage of any pesticide, provide or designate sites for disposal of any pesticide or pesticide container, adopt or enforce building and fire code requirements, regulate the transportation of pesticides consistently with and in no more strict of a manner than state and federal law, adopt regulations pursuant to a storm water management program that is consistent with federal or state law, or adopt regulations to protect surface or groundwater drinking water supplies consistent with state or federal law concerning the protection of drinking water supplies;
(II) Take any action specifically authorized or required by any federal or state law or regulation with respect to pesticides, or to take any action otherwise prohibited by this article in order to comply with any specific federal or state requirement or in order to avoid a fine or other penalty under federal or state law;
(III) Regulate the use of pesticides on property owned or leased by the local government;
(IV) Issue local general occupational licenses to persons regulated by this article.
(b) This subsection (3) does not authorize a local government to utilize the police power or the authority to zone, to provide or designate disposal sites, to adopt and enforce building and fire codes, or to regulate the transportation of pesticides as described in paragraph (a) of this subsection (3) to directly or indirectly regulate or prohibit the application of pesticides by persons regulated by this article or by federal law, including in connection with the cultivation of marijuana.
(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to be an implicit grant of authority to a local government that is not otherwise granted by state law.
(4) Any local government that promulgates an ordinance that concerns pesticides, that is promulgated pursuant to section 31-15-707 (1)(b), C.R.S., or that is promulgated pursuant to any authority described in paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of this section concerning pesticides shall file the following with the department of agriculture:
(a) A certified copy of the ordinance; and
(b) A map or legal description of the geographic area that the local government intends to regulate under the ordinance.
C.R.S. § 35-10-113 Qualified supervisor - license required
35-10-113. Qualified supervisor - license required. Any individual acting as a qualified supervisor must possess a valid qualified supervisor license issued by the commissioner in accordance with this article and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
C.R.S. § 35-10-114 Certified operator - license required
35-10-114. Certified operator - license required. Any individual acting as a certified operator shall possess a valid certified operator license issued by the commissioner in accordance with this article and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
C.R.S. § 35-10-114.5 Private applicator - license required
35-10-114.5. Private applicator - license required. Any private applicator who uses or supervises the use of a restricted-use pesticide shall possess a valid private applicator license issued by the commissioner in accordance with this article and any rules adopted pursuant to this article. An unlicensed private applicator may use a restricted-use pesticide under the supervision of a licensed private applicator for uses authorized by the licensed private applicator's license.
C.R.S. § 35-10-114.7 Licensed private applicators - rules - repeal
35-10-114.7. Licensed private applicators - rules - repeal. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 35-10-115 Qualified supervisor, certified operator, and private applicator licenses - examination - application - fees
35-10-115. Qualified supervisor, certified operator, and private applicator licenses - examination - application - fees. (1) Each applicant for a qualified supervisor, certified operator, or private applicator license shall:
(a) Pass a written examination in each class or subclass of pesticide application, or device use, in which he or she wishes to be licensed;
(b) Possess the degree of experience and any other qualifications which may be required by the commissioner for licensure under this section; and
(c) If he wishes to be licensed to engage in aerial application of pesticides, possess a certificate issued by the federal aviation administration as specified in license qualifications adopted by the commissioner.
(2) Each applicant for licensure under this section shall submit an application providing all information in the form and manner the commissioner shall designate, including, but not limited to, verification that such applicant has complied with subsection (1) of this section.
(3) Each licensee shall be required to report to the commissioner, in the form and manner he shall designate, any change to the information provided in such licensee's application or in any such reports previously submitted, within fifteen days of such change.
(4) Each applicant for a license issued under this section shall pay a license fee in an amount determined by the commissioner, after review by the advisory committee created in section 35-10-125.
(5) The commissioner shall issue licenses to qualified private applicators on and after January 1, 2007. A license issued in Colorado by the United States environmental protection agency, issued to a private applicator before January 1, 2007, shall remain valid for purposes of this article through the expiration date of such license.
C.R.S. § 35-10-116 Qualified supervisor and certified operator licenses - expiration - renewal of licenses - reinstatement
35-10-116. Qualified supervisor and certified operator licenses - expiration - renewal of licenses - reinstatement. (1) Licenses issued pursuant to section 35-10-115 shall be valid for a period determined by the commissioner, but the duration of such license shall not exceed three years.
(2) A licensee licensed pursuant to section 35-10-115 may have the option to apply to renew a license without further examination if he has completed, within the previous three years, the competency requirements established by the commissioner.
(3) A licensee shall submit a renewal application in the form and manner designated by the commissioner on or before the termination date of such license and shall pay a renewal fee in an amount determined by the commissioner.
(4) If the application for renewal of any license issued pursuant to section 35-10-115 is not postmarked on or before the expiration date of the license, a penalty fee of ten percent of the renewal fee shall be assessed and added to the renewal fee. No license shall be renewed until the total renewal fee is paid.
(5) If the application and fee for renewal of any license issued pursuant to section 35-10-115 are not received on or before the thirtieth day following the expiration date of the license, the license shall not be renewed and the licensee shall apply for a new license.
(6) Notwithstanding subsection (5) of this section, any license issued pursuant to this section that is not renewed on or before the expiration date of the license may be reinstated within one hundred eighty days after the expiration date upon:
(a) Application and payment of a reinstatement fee as determined by the commissioner; and
(b) Proof that all renewal requirements have been satisfied as of the expiration date of the license.
(7) Licenses not reinstated within one hundred eighty days after the expiration date shall not be reinstated. The former holder of such a license who wishes to be licensed shall apply for a new license.
C.R.S. § 35-10-117 Unlawful acts
35-10-117. Unlawful acts. (1) Unless otherwise authorized by law, it is unlawful and a violation of this article for any person:
(a) To perform any of the acts for which licensure as a commercial applicator, qualified supervisor, certified operator, or private applicator is required without possessing a valid license to do so;
(b) To hold oneself out as being so qualified to perform any of the acts for which licensure as a commercial applicator, qualified supervisor, or certified operator is required without possessing a valid license to perform such acts;
(c) To solicit, advertise, or offer to perform any of the acts for which licensure as a commercial applicator, qualified supervisor, or certified operator is required without possessing a valid license to perform such acts; to act as an agent for any principal to solicit from any person the purchase of pesticide application or pest control services from the principal when the principal does not possess a valid license to perform the services being offered; or to enter into a contract to perform such services;
(d) To refuse to comply with a cease-and-desist order issued pursuant to section 35-10-120;
(e) To refuse or fail to comply with the provisions of this article;
(f) (I) To make false, misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent representations.
(II) No claims of absolute safety shall be made for any product regulated by this article.
(g) To impersonate any state, county, city and county, or municipal official or inspector;
(h) To refuse or fail to comply with any rules or regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to this article or to any lawful order issued by the commissioner;
(i) To use, store, or dispose of pesticides, pesticide containers, rinsates, or other related materials, or to supervise or recommend such acts, in a manner inconsistent with labeling directions or requirements, unless otherwise provided for by law, or in an unsafe, negligent, or fraudulent manner; or
(j) To refuse or fail to comply with any requirements of the federal worker protection standards set forth in 40 CFR 170.
(2) It is unlawful and a violation of this article for any person acting as a commercial, registered limited commercial, or registered public applicator, or as a qualified supervisor or certified operator:
(a) To use, store, or dispose of pesticides, pesticide containers, rinsates, or other related materials, or to supervise or recommend such acts, in a manner inconsistent with labeling directions or requirements, unless otherwise provided for by law, or in an unsafe, negligent, or fraudulent manner;
(b) To use or recommend the use of any pesticide not registered with the department pursuant to article 9 of this title or to use or recommend the use of a pesticide in any manner inconsistent with the restrictions of the commissioner or the administrator;
(b.5) To use or recommend the use of any device that requires licensure for use in any manner inconsistent with the restrictions of the commissioner or the administrator;
(c) To use any device that requires licensure for use or any pesticide, or to direct or recommend such use, without providing appropriate supervision, including, but not limited to, the application of any pesticide without providing the supervision of a qualified supervisor licensed in that class or subclass of pesticide application;
(d) To maintain or supervise the maintenance of any device that requires licensure for use or pesticide application equipment, including, but not limited to, loading pumps, hoses, or metering devices, in an unsafe or negligent manner;
(e) To fail to provide the notification required pursuant to section 35-10-112 (1)(c);
(f) To make false or misleading representations or statements of fact in any application, record, or report required by this article or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
ation equipment, including, but not limited to, loading pumps, hoses, or metering devices, in an unsafe or negligent manner;
(e) To fail to provide the notification required pursuant to section 35-10-112 (1)(c);
(f) To make false or misleading representations or statements of fact in any application, record, or report required by this article or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
(g) To fail to maintain or submit any records or reports required by this article or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(3) It is unlawful and a violation of this article for any commercial applicator, qualified supervisor, or certified operator:
(a) To permit the use of his license by any other person;
(b) To use or supervise or recommend the use of any device that requires licensure for use, or any pesticide, which, including but not limited to generally accepted standards of practice, would be ineffective or inappropriate for the pest problem being treated;
(c) (I) To use any device that requires licensure for use or apply any pesticide or to recommend or supervise such acts in any manner that fails to meet generally accepted standards for such use or application except as provided by subparagraph (II) of this paragraph (c).
(II) If a commercial applicator receives instructions from a party contracting for such applicator's services and the commercial applicator knows or should know that using the device or applying the pesticide in the manner specified by the contracting party may not or does not meet generally accepted standards for such use or application, the commercial applicator must so inform the contracting party. If the contracting party, after being so advised, continues to require the commercial applicator to perform the application or use the device according to these instructions, the commercial applicator may follow these instructions for such application or use unless such application or use would violate any of the directions contained on the pesticide or the device or the labeling of either or would violate any provision of this article or article 9 of this title or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this article or article 9 of this title. If the commercial applicator complies with these requirements, the party contracting for such application of any pesticide or use of any device shall have no cause of action for damages against the commercial applicator if the application or use causes death or injury to the contracting party or his property or is unsatisfactory in its result, unless the contracting party establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that such death, injury, or unsatisfactory result resulted from negligence or an intentional act not encompassed within or necessitated by the instructions provided by such contracting party.
(4) It is unlawful and a violation of this article for any commercial applicator:
(a) To operate any device that requires licensure for use, or to apply any pesticide, if the insurance required by section 35-10-106 (1)(a) is not in full force and effect at the time of such use or application, or if it does not have on file with the department, in the form and manner designated by the commissioner, verification that said insurance is in full force and effect;
ercial applicator:
(a) To operate any device that requires licensure for use, or to apply any pesticide, if the insurance required by section 35-10-106 (1)(a) is not in full force and effect at the time of such use or application, or if it does not have on file with the department, in the form and manner designated by the commissioner, verification that said insurance is in full force and effect;
(b) To fail to provide any customer with any information required to be so provided by this article or by any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(5) It is unlawful and a violation of this article for any employee or official of the department to disclose or use for his own advantage any information derived from any applications, reports, or records, including medical records, submitted to the department pursuant to this article or to reveal such information to anyone except authorized persons, who may include officials or employees of the state, the federal government, the courts of this or other states, and physicians.
(6) The failure by any person to comply with the provisions of subsection (1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(c), (1)(f), or (4)(b) of this section is a deceptive trade practice and is subject to the protections of the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act", article 1 of title 6, C.R.S.
C.R.S. § 35-10-117.5 Unlawful acts for licensed private applicators
35-10-117.5. Unlawful acts for licensed private applicators. (1) It is unlawful and a violation of this article for a licensed private applicator:
(a) To make false or misleading representations or statements of fact in any license, application, record, or report required by this article or any rules adopted pursuant thereto;
(b) To fail to maintain or submit any records or reports required by this article or any rules adopted pursuant thereto; or
(c) To permit the use of a private applicator license by any person other than the person to whom the license was issued.
C.R.S. § 35-10-118 Powers and duties of the commissioner - rules
35-10-118. Powers and duties of the commissioner - rules. (1) The commissioner is authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of this article and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(2) The commissioner is authorized to adopt all reasonable rules for the administration and enforcement of this article, including, but not limited to:
(a) The regulation of all aspects of pesticide application, including, but not limited to, the storage, use, application, and disposal of any pesticide or device that requires licensure for use by any person subject to this article;
(b) The establishment of qualifications for any applicant and standards of practice for any of the licenses authorized under this article, including the establishment of classifications and subclassifications for any license authorized under this article;
(c) The issuance and reinstatement of any license authorized under this article and the grounds for any disciplinary actions authorized under this article, including letters of admonition, other discipline through stipulation, or the restriction, probation, denial, suspension, or revocation of any license authorized under this article;
(d) The content of the examination required for the administration of this article and the amount of any examination and examination grading fee.
(3) The commissioner shall, for examinations required for any license under this article:
(a) Develop each such examination, or adopt a commercially standardized examination, required for the administration of this article and the amount of any examination and examination grading fee;
(b) Establish a passing score for each examination that reflects a minimum level of competency in the class or subclass for which the applicant is being tested;
(c) Administer each such examination or contract with a person, corporation, or other entity to administer each such examination.
(4) The commissioner shall establish standards and procedures to issue a license to any person who possesses a valid license from another jurisdiction, where the qualifications for that license are substantially similar to those adopted for a comparable license authorized under this article.
(5) The commissioner shall establish any competency requirements and standards for any individuals licensed under section 35-10-115.
(6) The commissioner is authorized to conduct hearings required under sections 35-10-119 and 35-10-120 pursuant to article 4 of title 24, C.R.S., and to use administrative law judges to conduct such hearings when their use would result in a net saving of costs to the department.
(7) The commissioner is authorized to determine the amount of any licensing fee authorized under this article based on the actual cost of administering and enforcing the article and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
(8) The commissioner is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with any agency or political subdivision of this state or any other state, or with any agency of the United States government, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this article, receiving grants-in-aid, securing uniformity of rules, and entering into reciprocal licensing agreements.
(8.5) (a) The department may provide the following only to the extent of funding received pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection (8.5):
(I) Education programs for urban residents regarding the proper use of pesticides and regarding the dangers of misuse or overuse of pesticides; and
(II) Education programs for firefighters regarding precautions and procedures that are necessary when fighting fires that involve or are in the vicinity of pesticides or fertilizers.
unding received pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection (8.5):
(I) Education programs for urban residents regarding the proper use of pesticides and regarding the dangers of misuse or overuse of pesticides; and
(II) Education programs for firefighters regarding precautions and procedures that are necessary when fighting fires that involve or are in the vicinity of pesticides or fertilizers.
(b) The commissioner may accept gifts, grants, and donations of any kind from any private or public source for the purposes of this subsection (8.5). The commissioner shall transmit all such gifts, grants, or donations to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the plant health, pest control, and environmental protection cash fund created in section 35-1-106.3.
(9) The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to comply with the "Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act", as amended; except that such rules and regulations shall not contravene any provision of this article, article 9 of this title, or any other provision of state law.
(9.5) The commissioner shall designate by rule which devices, when operated for hire, require the operator to be licensed as a commercial applicator. Licensure shall be required only for the use of those devices that, as determined by the commissioner, may constitute a significant risk to public health or safety.
(9.7) (a) The commissioner shall:
(I) Develop an online complaint process on the department's website that allows members of the public to fill out and submit a complaint form online; and
(II) Provide the complaint form in a manner that is:
(A) Easily accessible on the department's website;
(B) User-friendly;
(C) Printable; and
(D) Accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions.
(b) The complaint form or the instructions accompanying the complaint form must include the department's mailing address so that a member of the public may choose to print and submit the complaint form by mail instead of electronically.
(10) The powers and duties vested in the commissioner by this article may be delegated to qualified employees of the department.
C.R.S. § 35-10-119 Inspections - investigations - access - subpoena
35-10-119. Inspections - investigations - access - subpoena. (1) The commissioner shall provide for the inspection and analysis of pesticides being used and for the inspection of equipment, devices that require licensure for use, or apparatus used for the application of pesticides, and the commissioner may require proper repairs or other changes before further use.
(2) The commissioner, upon his own motion or upon the complaint of any person, may make any and all investigations necessary to insure compliance with this article.
(3) Complaints of record made to the commissioner and the results of his investigations may, in the discretion of the commissioner, be closed to public inspection, except to the person in interest, as defined in section 24-72-202 (4), C.R.S., or as provided by court order, during the investigatory period and until dismissed or until notice of hearing and charges are served on a licensee.
(4) At any reasonable time during regular business hours, the commissioner shall have free and unimpeded access upon consent or upon obtaining an administrative search warrant:
(a) To any land, water, or structures thereon in which any devices that require licensure for use, pesticides, containers, rinsates, or other related materials are or have been kept, used, stored, handled, processed, disposed of, or transported for the purpose of carrying out any provision of this article or any rule made pursuant to this article;
(b) To all records required to be kept and may make copies of such records for the purpose of carrying out any provision of this article or any rule made pursuant to this article.
(5) The commissioner shall have full authority to administer oaths and take statements, to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses before him and the production of all books, memoranda, papers, and other documents, articles, or instruments, and to compel the disclosure by such witnesses of all facts known to them relative to the matters under investigation. Upon the failure or refusal of any witness to obey any subpoena, the commissioner may petition the district court, and, upon a proper showing, the court may enter an order compelling the witness to appear and testify or produce documentary evidence. Failure to obey such an order of the court shall be punishable as a contempt of court.
C.R.S. § 35-10-120 Enforcement
35-10-120. Enforcement. (1) The commissioner or his designee shall enforce the provisions of this article.
(2) Whenever the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe a violation of any provision of this article or any rule made pursuant to this article has occurred and immediate enforcement is deemed necessary, the commissioner may issue a cease-and-desist order, which may require any person to cease violating any provision of this article or any rule made pursuant to this article. Such cease-and-desist order shall set forth the provisions alleged to have been violated, the facts alleged to have constituted the violation, and the requirement that all actions cease forthwith. At any time after service of the order to cease and desist, the person may request, at the person's discretion, a hearing to be held within a reasonable period of time to determine whether or not such violation has occurred. Such hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of article 4 of title 24, C.R.S., and shall be determined promptly.
(3) Whenever the commissioner possesses sufficient evidence satisfactory to him indicating that any person has engaged in or is about to engage in any act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of this article or of any rule adopted under this article, the commissioner may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction to temporarily or permanently restrain or enjoin the act or practice in question and to enforce compliance with this article or any rule or order under this article. In any such action, the commissioner shall not be required to plead or prove irreparable injury or the inadequacy of the remedy at law. Under no circumstances shall the court require the commissioner to post a bond.
C.R.S. § 35-10-121 Disciplinary actions - denial of license
35-10-121. Disciplinary actions - denial of license. (1) The commissioner may issue letters of admonition, impose other discipline through stipulation, or restrict, impose probation on, deny, suspend, refuse to renew, or revoke any license or registration authorized under this article if the applicant, registrant, or licensee:
(a) Has refused or failed to comply with any provision of this article, any rule or regulation adopted under this article, or any lawful order of the commissioner;
(b) Has been convicted of a felony for an offense related to the conduct regulated by this article;
(c) Has had an equivalent license or registration denied, revoked, or suspended by any authority;
(d) Has been adjudicated a violator or has committed a violation of the "Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act", as amended; except that a consent decree entered into with the EPA shall not be considered a violation of such act unless an order from the regional administrator of the EPA or the consent decree shall specifically state that a violation has occurred;
(e) Has refused to provide the commissioner with reasonable, complete, and accurate information regarding methods or materials used or work performed when requested by the commissioner; or
(f) Has falsified any information requested by the commissioner.
(2) In any proceeding held under this section, the commissioner may accept as prima facie evidence of grounds for disciplinary action any disciplinary action taken against a licensee, registrant, or certified person from another jurisdiction if the violation that prompted the disciplinary action in that jurisdiction would be grounds for disciplinary action under this section.
(2.5) Proceedings under this section shall be conducted pursuant to article 4 of title 24, C.R.S.; except that section 24-4-104 (3), C.R.S., shall not apply to such proceedings in cases of deliberate or willful violation; in cases of violation of labeling directions or requirements; or in cases in which the actions or omissions of the licensee or registrant in violation of this article have caused or threatened to cause substantial danger or harm to public health and safety, to property, or to the environment, as defined by the commissioner pursuant to section 35-10-118 (2). In such cases, no revocation, suspension, limitation, or modification of a license or registration shall be lawful unless the commissioner has given the licensee or registrant notice in writing regarding any facts or conduct that may warrant such action and has afforded the licensee or registrant opportunity to submit written data, views, and arguments with respect to such facts or conduct.
(3) No licensee or registrant whose license or registration has been revoked may apply or reapply for any license or registration under this article until two years after the date of such revocation.
(4) Any person aggrieved by a final disciplinary action taken by the commissioner may appeal such action to the Colorado court of appeals in accordance with section 24-4-106 (11), C.R.S.
C.R.S. § 35-10-122 Civil penalties
35-10-122. Civil penalties. (1) Any person who violates this article 10 or any rule adopted pursuant to this article 10 is subject to a civil penalty, as determined by the commissioner or a court of competent jurisdiction. The maximum penalty is two thousand five hundred dollars per violation; except that the penalty may be doubled if it is determined, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that the person has violated the provision or rule for the second time.
(2) No civil penalty may be imposed by the commissioner unless the person charged is given notice and opportunity for a hearing pursuant to article 4 of title 24, C.R.S.
(3) If the commissioner is unable to collect such civil penalty or if any person fails to pay all or a set portion of the civil penalty as determined by the commissioner, the commissioner may bring suit to recover such amount plus costs and attorney fees by action in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(4) Before imposing any civil penalty, the commissioner or a court of competent jurisdiction may consider the effect of such penalty on the ability of the person charged to stay in business.
C.R.S. § 35-10-123 Criminal penalties
35-10-123. Criminal penalties. (1) No person may be charged under this section unless it is determined, after notice and an opportunity for hearing conducted pursuant to article 4 of title 24, C.R.S., that such person has twice committed the violation to be charged; except that this subsection (1) shall not apply to any person who violates any of the provisions of section 35-10-117 (1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(c), (1)(g), and (5).
(2) Any person who violates any of the provisions of section 35-10-117 (1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(c), (1)(e), (1)(g), (1)(i), (1)(j), (2)(a), (2)(b), (2)(c), (2)(d), (3)(a), or (4)(a) commits a class 2 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501.
(3) Any person who violates any of the provisions of section 35-10-117 (1)(f), (2)(f), (2)(g), (4)(b), and (5) commits a class 2 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501, C.R.S.
C.R.S. § 35-10-124 Information - use and handling of pesticides - enforcement action - credentialing information - definition
35-10-124. Information - use and handling of pesticides - enforcement action - credentialing information - definition. (1) The commissioner, in cooperation with other agencies of this state or the federal government, may publish information pertaining to the use and handling of pesticides and conduct workshops for the purpose of informing the pesticide applicators of new developments in the field of pesticides.
(2) The commissioner shall provide internet access to finalized enforcement action information to the general public consisting of, at a minimum, the name of the violator, date of the action, city or county in which the violation occurred, nearest major intersection of roads to where the violation occurred, and final enforcement disposition. The commissioner shall publish the information in a form and manner designated by the commissioner within thirty days after the final disposition.
(3) (a) The commissioner shall:
(I) Publish and periodically update information on the department's website informing consumers about which pesticide applicators are credentialed in compliance with this article 10; and
(II) Provide the credentialing information specified in subsection (3)(a)(I) of this section in a manner that members of the public may easily access and search on the website.
(b) As used in this subsection (3), "credentialed" means having a valid license or registration issued pursuant to this article 10.
C.R.S. § 35-10-125 Advisory committee
35-10-125. Advisory committee. (1) The state agricultural commission created by section 35-1-105 shall appoint an advisory committee of fifteen members to advise the commissioner on agricultural, human health, environmental, wildlife, worker safety, and other matters regarding the use of pesticides in Colorado and to assist the commissioner in promulgating rules to carry out this article.
(2) The committee is a state public body, as that term is defined in section 24-6-402 (1)(d), C.R.S., and consists of the following members:
(a) A formulator, or his Colorado representative, actively engaged in the sale of pesticides in Colorado;
(b) A commercial applicator, licensed under this article, who is actively engaged in the commercial application of pesticides for the control of agricultural crop pests;
(c) A commercial applicator, licensed under this article, who is actively engaged in the commercial application of pesticides for the control of turf or ornamental pests;
(d) A commercial applicator, licensed under this article, who is actively engaged in the application of pesticides for the control of structural pests;
(e) A qualified supervisor, employed by a limited commercial applicator registered under this article, who is actively engaged in the application of pesticides;
(f) Two representatives from public applicators registered under this article, each of whom shall be an elected official or a designee thereof;
(g) A representative from Colorado state university agricultural experiment station or extension service;
(h) Two representatives from the Colorado department of public health and environment, both of whom have expertise in either:
(I) Human health with respect to toxicology, pest-related disease vectors, and epidemiology;
(II) Hazardous materials and food safety;
(III) Air pollution and hazardous pesticide air pollutants; or
(IV) Water pollution and agricultural activities;
(i) Two representatives from the general public, one of whom is actively engaged in urban agricultural production;
(j) A member of a state or national apiary or beekeeper association who is currently active in apiary management and who is either an elected official of or a designee of the association;
(k) A representative from the agricultural sector who is a worker, as that term is defined in 40 CFR 170.3; and
(l) A representative from the agricultural sector who is actively engaged in organic agricultural production.
(3) All members of the advisory committee, with the exception of the formulator, shall be residents of this state.
(4) Each member of the committee serves a term of three years and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms on the committee; except that a committee member appointed pursuant to subsection (2)(g) or (2)(h) of this section may serve unlimited terms for the duration of the committee member's employment by the agency that the committee member represents.
(5) Members of the advisory committee shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of such committee.
(6) Repealed.
C.R.S. § 35-10-126 Transfer of money from fees and civil penalties
35-10-126. Transfer of money from fees and civil penalties. (1) All fees collected pursuant to this article 10 shall be transmitted to the state treasurer, who shall credit the money to the plant health, pest control, and environmental protection cash fund created in section 35-1-106.3.
(2) All civil penalties collected pursuant to section 35-10-122 shall be transmitted to the state treasurer, who shall credit the money to the general fund.
C.R.S. § 35-10-127 Deadline for promulgation of rules and regulations for implementation of article, as amended
35-10-127. Deadline for promulgation of rules and regulations for implementation of article, as amended. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 35-10-128 Repeal of article - review of functions
35-10-128. Repeal of article - review of functions. This article 10 is repealed, effective September 1, 2034. Before the repeal, this article 10 is scheduled for review in accordance with section 24-34-104. As part of its review, the department of regulatory agencies shall report on the extent of local regulation of pesticides pursuant to section 31-15-707 (1)(b) or under the police power of any political subdivision of the state.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-35.docxFetched: 10/6/2026