Substitute House Bill No. 5219, Public Act No. 24-9, is an act concerning the standards for the spraying of herbicides along railroad right-of-ways. The bill mandates that any railroad company applying pesticides to rights-of-way must provide notice to the Department of Transportation and the chief elected official or board of selectmen of each municipality where the application will occur, at least 21 days prior to the application. Additionally, by February 1st of each year, these companies must file a vegetation management plan that identifies target vegetation and management methods for the upcoming year. Municipalities are required to post these plans on their websites within 30 days of receipt, provided they have a website.

The bill further stipulates that from February 1, 2025, vegetation management plans must include detailed information such as target vegetation, intended management methods, equipment to be used, timing of herbicide applications, alternative control procedures, qualifications of individuals developing the plans, and contents of the integrated pest management plan that aims to minimize herbicide use. Railroad companies must also develop a yearly operational plan that includes maps, herbicide details, application techniques, and contact information for the treatment company, and provide a 45-day public comment period for this plan. The bill sets forth strict guidelines for pesticide application, prohibiting certain practices to protect sensitive areas, water sources, private wells, wetlands, inhabited areas, and agricultural areas, and requires low-pressure application methods in specific circumstances. The Commissioners of Transportation and Energy and Environmental Protection are tasked with enforcing these provisions within their available resources. The act is effective from July 1, 2024.