This part may be cited as the “Model Integrated Pest and Pesticide Management Safety Program Act”.

The legislature finds and declares that:

• (1) the exposure of children to pesticides applied in and around schools can pose a potentially acute or chronic toxicological hazard to their health;
• (2) infants and children can be especially vulnerable to pesticides, especially if pesticides are not properly applied or used;
• (3) schools need to adopt pest management programs that minimize exposure of school children to pesticides and provide for alternative pest control methods; and
• (4) the department shall prepare and distribute to each Montana school district a model integrated pest and pesticide management safety program that satisfies the provisions of this section.

(1) The department may develop a model integrated pest and pesticide management safety program for facilities under supervision, including but not limited to schools, day-care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and other education and health care facilities. The model programs must provide guidance and recommendations on management of pests and pesticides and on alternatives within a facility and on facility grounds.

(2) The model program guidelines and recommendations must include information on pests, alternative and pesticide control methods and their integration, environmental concerns, and protection of public health. Special information and recommendations for protecting the affected populations from exposure to pesticides and from the acute or chronic potential adverse health effects of pesticides must be emphasized. The department may periodically revise the model program guidelines, policies, and recommendations as new integrated pest, pesticide, or alternative management techniques and methods are developed and as new information on protecting the affected populations from pesticides is developed.

(3) The director may consult and obtain advice from pest and pesticide specialists, facility personnel, and the public on any aspect of the model integrated pest and pesticide management safety program.