The bill amends Section 23-25-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-25, "Pesticide Control," by introducing new 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, 2027, and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides beginning January 1, 2028. Furthermore, the use of these rodenticides will be restricted from January 1, 2029, with exceptions for public health activities, the protection of drinking water supplies, control of vectors for mosquito-borne illnesses, eradication of non-native invasive species of rodents, and control of documented rodent infestations where other alternatives are inadequate.

In addition, the bill establishes the "Rodent Integrated Pest Management Pilot Program Act," which enables municipalities to voluntarily implement pest management pilot programs aimed at reducing rodent populations through integrated pest management strategies. These programs will include designated rodent mitigation zones, controlled comparison areas, and inspections to monitor rodent activity. Municipal departments will be responsible for tracking interventions and reporting outcomes to the municipality's mayor or administrator, who will then submit the reports to the Department of Environmental Management. The bill also creates an Integrated Pest Management Fund to support these initiatives, which will be administered by the Department of Environmental Management. The provisions of this chapter will expire on October 1, 2029, unless extended, with certain sections taking effect upon passage and others on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
2795: 23-25-4