SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1118

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 17, 2025

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1118.

This bill requires every commercial pesticide applicator to use uniform silver flags to mark areas on which pesticides have been applied.  The flags used must be silver in color, must be a uniform size and type, must provide information in English and Spanish, and must stay in place for a minimum of 72 hours after the pesticide application.

     In addition, the bill would prohibit the use of silver flags to mark anything likely to be confused with a pesticide application.  The exclusive color requirement is intended to distinguish pesticide flags from, among other things, those used for invisible dog fences, underground utility lines, septic tanks, and underground piping.

     The bill also directs the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate rules and regulations effectuating these requirements.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.