House Bill No. 5217, titled "AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF CERTAIN RODENTICIDES," is designed to regulate the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in Connecticut, effective October 1, 2024. The bill specifically targets SGARs containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, or difethialone due to their potent and persistent effects on wildlife. While the bill prohibits the general use of these chemicals, it allows for exemptions in cases such as public health activities by state employees, protection of water supply infrastructure, agricultural activities, and control of invasive species or rodent infestations that pose a public health risk. Violations of the prohibition may result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per incident.

The bill also requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt regulations to prevent harm to non-target wildlife from the use of SGARs and to report to the Environment Committee by January 1, 2026. This report should assess the impact of current restrictions and licensing on the use of SGARs, their consistency with federal law, and their effects on public health, agriculture, and wildlife. The bill anticipates costs to the state for enforcement and research, including the potential hiring of an Environmental Analyst and a State Veterinarian specializing in wildlife. The bill passed the Environment Committee with a Joint Favorable Substitute vote of 33 to 1 on March 8, 2024.

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