WSPMA Launches First Legislative Day, Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Pest Management Association (WSPMA) recently held its first Legislative Day at the Washington State Capitol, bringing pest management professionals (PMPs) face-to-face with policymakers to discuss legislation impacting public health, structural pest control and rodent management in Washington State.

Approximately 20 WSPMA members participated, meeting with more than 15 elected officials, including state senators, representatives and legislative staff. Discussions focused on the critical role licensed PMPs play in protecting communities, supporting agriculture and implementing science-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, WSPMA said. 

A central component of the day was the association's formal testimony before the House Agriculture Committee opposing House Bill 2516, proposed legislation that WSPMA said would significantly restrict the use of rodenticides. WSPMA members provided testimony outlining concerns about the bill’s potential unintended consequences, including increased rodent populations, heightened public health risks and reduced ability for professionals to respond effectively in urban, agricultural and commercial settings, WSPMA said. Testimony also emphasized the importance of preserving access to effective rodent control tools under existing regulatory oversight, licensing and stewardship requirements, according to the association.

In addition to formal testimony, WSPMA members met individually with lawmakers and staff to further discuss HB 2516 and broader pest management policy issues. These conversations reinforced the association’s position that policy decisions should be informed by science, field experience and an understanding of real-world pest pressures, WSPMA said.

The association said that legislators and staff engaged actively throughout the day, asking questions and participating in substantive discussions. WSPMA leaders emphasized that Legislative Day was intended to begin and strengthen ongoing dialogue, rather than resolve policy issues in a single visit, according to the association. 

WSPMA said it plans to continue engaging with policymakers throughout the legislative session, building on the momentum from its inaugural Legislative Day.