194 - Legislation and Public Health: Illinois Mosquito Abatement Districts' Role in Shaping Pesticide Policy

Abstract: In recent years, Illinois, like many states, has faced an influx of well-intentioned yet flawed legislation surrounding pesticide use. During the 2024 legislative session, several bills were introduced that could have led to unintended consequences for both public health and mosquito control efforts. This presentation will explore the strategies employed by Illinois mosquito abatement districts (MADs) to ensure that public health vector control remained a key part of legislative discussions. Emphasis will be placed on the successes and challenges encountered throughout the process, including a notable change in the procedure for MADs to annex new territories.