The bill amends Section 23-25-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-25, "Pesticide Control," by introducing definitions for first and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. It prohibits the sale of first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in consumer and online retail stores starting March 1, 2026, and extends this prohibition to second-generation rodenticides beginning January 1, 2027. The use of these rodenticides will also be restricted from January 1, 2028, with exceptions for certified applicators and specific public health and agricultural activities.

Additionally, the bill creates the "Rodent Integrated Pest Management Pilot Program Act," allowing municipalities to implement voluntary pest management programs aimed at controlling rodent populations through a variety of methods, including non-chemical approaches. Municipalities will designate agencies to oversee these programs, which will involve inspections and tracking of rodent activity. The pilot programs are authorized to commence no later than July 1, 2026, and will last for a minimum of twelve months. The bill establishes an Integrated Pest Management Fund to support these initiatives, with oversight from the Department of Environmental Management. Reports on the outcomes of the pilot programs will be submitted to the municipality's mayor or administrator and then to the Department of Environmental Management. The chapter's provisions will expire on October 1, 2028, unless extended by the General Assembly.

Statutes affected:
651: 23-25-4
651  SUB A: 23-25-4