Pesticide drift not only harms trees, plants, and wildlife—it is also a serious human health concern, especially for children playing at nearby schools, playgrounds, and parks. Approximately 66% of park properties alone in Illinois are within half a mile of an agriculture field or potential source of pesticide application, putting these areas, their staff, and the children that visit them at risk of exposure from drift.
The Pesticide Notice Schools Bill (HB1596) ensures that schools, daycares, and park administrators receive advanced notice of nearby large-scale applications—so they have more information about potential exposure risks.
What does this bill do?
The Pesticide Notice Schools Bill (HB1596) requires advanced written notification to schools, child care centers, playgrounds, and parks that are near sites where the large-scale application of pesticides will occur—strengthening the transparency and communication between applicators and the communities they work in.
What Qualifies as a large-scale pesticide application? Any pesticide applications to areas greater than five acres.
Notification requirements include a written (emailed or hand-delivered) notice to facility administrators 24 to 72 hours prior to application and must include location, date and time range, product name and type, and contact information for the certified applicator and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Who will be notified:
- Schools: All public and private pre-schools, primary, and secondary schools.
- Child Care Centers: All state-registered daycares and part-day child care centers.
- Playgrounds: Land owned or controlled by a unit of local government that is designated by the unit of local government for use solely or primarily for children’s recreation.
- Parks: A park, forest preserve, or conservation area under the jurisdiction of the State or a unit of local government.
This commonsense, science-backed legislation prioritizes public health, environmental safety, transparency, and communication between pesticide applicators and the community. Administrators deserve the right to know when pesticides are being applied near the places they manage and where children learn and play.
Stand up for safer schools, healthier parks, and informed communities. Support the Pesticide Notice Schools Bill (HB 1596) by taking the action below!
