Bill > S445

This bill establishes an ecologically-based mosquito management program in the Commonwealth to protect public health. The key provisions are: - It creates a Mosquito Management Board within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to regulate and oversee all mosquito and related nuisance organism management activities in the Commonwealth. The Board is responsible for developing a state ecologically-based mosquito management plan and a state emergency arbovirus response plan. - It allows municipalities to form Mosquito Management Districts, which will have Councils to oversee mosquito management activities within the district. The Councils must develop their own ecologically-based mosquito management plans that must be certified by the Board. - It prioritizes non-pesticide control methods like source reduction, habitat manipulation, and biological controls over the use of larvicides and adulticides, which are only to be used as a last resort. It establishes strict thresholds and procedures for the use of any pesticides. - It bans the use of pesticides containing PFAS chemicals and requires testing for PFAS before using any pesticides. - It provides a process for residents to file complaints about violations and for the Board to investigate and take action. The overall goal is to implement an ecologically-sustainable approach to mosquito management that prioritizes preventative measures and minimizes the use of pesticides to protect public health and the environment.