The bill amends Section 23-25-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-25, "Pesticide Control," by introducing definitions for first-generation and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. It mandates that starting March 1, 2026, the sale of first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides will be prohibited in consumer and online retail stores, with a subsequent prohibition on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides beginning January 1, 2027. The bill includes exceptions for sales to businesses employing certified or licensed applicators and restricts the use of these rodenticides, allowing specific exemptions for public health activities, the protection of drinking water supplies, control of mosquito-borne illness vectors, eradication of non-native invasive rodent species, and documented rodent infestations where other control methods are inadequate.

Furthermore, the bill creates the "Rodent Integrated Pest Management Pilot Program Act," enabling municipalities to implement voluntary pest management pilot programs aimed at controlling rodent populations through integrated pest management strategies. These programs will involve designated rodent mitigation zones, controlled comparison areas, and inspections to monitor rodent activity. Municipal departments will be responsible for tracking interventions and reporting on the program's effectiveness. Pilot programs are required to start by July 1, 2026, and last for at least twelve months. An Integrated Pest Management Fund will be established to support these efforts, administered by the Department of Environmental Management, which will seek additional funding resources. The provisions of this chapter will sunset and expire on October 1, 2028, unless extended by the General Assembly. The initial section of the act will take effect upon passage, while the remaining sections will become effective on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
5704: 23-25-4