CDPR Proposes to Increase Penalties for Violations
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is proposing changes to the state’s Enforcement Response Regulations. According to DPR. the proposal would increase fines for violations that could harm people’s health, hold repeat violators accountable, and support consistency in enforcement across the state. These regulations address actions taken by County Agricultural Commissioners (CACs) in their pesticide use enforcement programs. DPR’ oversees and guides CACs who conduct on-the-ground compliance, inspections, investigations and enforcement actions across all 58 California counties. Key elements of the proposal include:
Increasing fines for incidents impacting human health. Changing how pesticide violations are categorized, creating a higher category and associated fines for violations that pose hazards to human health.
Holding violators accountable. Adjusting penalty levels, including changes to minimum civil penalties for the most serious violations and increasing penalties for repeat violators. This includes required documentation and consideration of compliance history when determining penalties.
Supporting consistent enforcement statewide. Clarifying definitions, timelines, and documentation requirements to support consistent enforcement decisions across counties. This also includes DPR oversight of CAC enforcement decision-making.
Streamlining processes for enforcement coordination. Identifying areas for timely CAC coordination with District Attorneys and other prosecuting authorities to ensure that every available enforcement tool – including criminal prosecution, where appropriate – is used effectively.
Increasing transparency into DPR enforcement actions. Adding a DPR annual enforcement report describing actions taken under the Department’s enforcement authority.
DPR is holding a 45-day public comment period through July 28, 2026, to collect input on the proposed regulations. Comments can be submitted online through DPR’s public comment portal, SmartComment(external link), or can be submitted via email to dpr26002@cdpr.ca.gov. DPR will hold three public hearings during the comment period to receive verbal comments. All hearings will be conducted virtually to ensure statewide accessibility. The agenda and pre-hearing presentation will be posted on DPR’s Meetings and Events webpage in advance of each hearing.
5:30 p.m. – Pre-hearing presentation
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Regulatory hearing and public comment
Register and join: Zoom (Virtual)(external link)
9:30 a.m. – Pre-hearing presentation
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Regulatory hearing and public comment
Register and join: Zoom (Virtual)(external link)
5:30 p.m. – Pre-hearing presentation
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Regulatory hearing and public comment
Register and join: Zoom (Virtual)(external link)