(a) An officer, agent, or employee of the state, or of a borough or city of any class, may not direct, carry out, or participate in the spraying or application of a pesticide or broadcast chemical in any program or project involving funds, materials, or equipment of the state, borough, or city, except in accordance with regulations adopted by the department under AS 46.03.320.
(b) Before a public project that would affect land owned separately by two or more persons is initiated, the person directing the program shall give public notice of the program in the manner required by regulations of the department. The department shall conduct a public hearing on the proposed program if a hearing is requested by the governing body of the affected borough or city, or by a petition signed by at least 50 residents. The requirement for public notice or public hearing may be waived if the commissioner determines that a public emergency exists.
(c) The provisions of this section apply to home rule municipalities.