Bill > S552

This bill authorizes the City of Newton to create a local ordinance that would prohibit the use of second generation anti-coagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within its city limits. Second generation anti-coagulant rodenticides are a type of powerful rat and mouse poison that work by preventing blood from clotting, which can cause prolonged bleeding and death in rodents. The bill overrides existing state laws (specifically chapter 132B of the general laws) that might otherwise restrict the city's ability to regulate these pesticides, and would allow Newton to ban their application even by licensed commercial pest control applicators. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage, giving the city the legal authority to enact such a prohibition. This type of local control over pesticide use reflects growing environmental and public health concerns about the potential harmful effects of these chemicals on wildlife, pets, and potentially human health.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S552