05/11/2026

Virginia PMPs Bring the Case for Preemption to Capitol Hill

This March, a strong contingency of Virginia Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) joined peers from across the country in Washington, D.C. for NPMA’s Legislative Day—an annual event that blends advocacy, education, and industry networking. This year, Virginia’s delegation carried a clear and unified message: the urgent need for state pesticide preemption, that we enjoy in Virginia, to be codified in federal law to provide it across the United States.

There are only six states in the country without pesticide preemption, leaving pest management companies to navigate a complex and often inconsistent web of local regulations. Requirements can vary significantly from one county, township, or municipality to another (as seen in Maryland's Montgomery County), creating operational challenges, increasing compliance costs, and introducing uncertainty for businesses trying to serve their customers effectively.

Our message was clear: codifying state pesticide preemption would streamline operations, reduce confusion, and ensure that pesticide-use decisions are grounded in sound, science-based assessments rather than a patchwork of local ordinances.

Of course, Legislative Day is not solely about policy—it’s also about people. In addition to a full schedule of meetings and briefings, attendees had the opportunity to connect with colleagues in a more relaxed setting. The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) and the Maryland State Pest Control Association (MSPCA) co-hosted a lively evening event at Equinox Restaurant in Washington, D.C., where members from both states gathered to share experiences, build relationships, and enjoy some well-earned camaraderie.

Events like these highlight the strength of our regional partnerships and the value of coming together as an industry. Whether discussing policy priorities or simply catching up with peers, these connections are an essential part of what makes Legislative Day so impactful.

Our boots on the ground in DC in March set the stage for our battle for preemption.  This advocacy fight heated up at the end of April when the Farm Bill came to a vote in the House. The Farm Bill was voted favorably on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:15 am, with all pesticide provisions removed, after a lot of political maneuvering led to that outcome. 

The Senate will receive the House-passed Farm Bill this week and will begin the process of considering it. While Chairman Boozman (R-AR) is supportive of state pesticide preemption, the process of reinserting Section 10206 (the provision for pesticide preemption) into the Farm Bill will require significant support from other Senators to ensure the Senate has the votes (60) to clear the Chamber. 

NPMA is focusing on education for both the Senate and House, because although the House of Representatives has passed the Farm Bill, this is likely not the last time it will be held for a vote in the Chamber before it is final.

Please watch for additional communications regarding what you can do to support our advocacy work.