An Act authorizing the city of Holyoke to prohibit use of SGARs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Duffy

Holyoke would be authorized to locally prohibit possession, sale, and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within city limits.

Hearing scheduled for 07/01/2026 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in B-1

Summary of H 5475 (194th Massachusetts Legislature)

Purpose and intent

This Act authorizes the city of Holyoke to prohibit the possession, sale, distribution, and use of secondhand (toxic) rodenticide products known as single-dose SGARs (Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides) within its municipal boundaries.

The bill aims to reduce environmental and public health risks associated with SGARs by granting Holyoke local authority to regulate or ban these products, subject to state law and regulatory frameworks.

Key provisions and changes

Authority granted to Holyoke: The bill provides Holyoke with the power to prohibit the use of SGARs within the city. This includes prohibiting possession, sale, distribution, and use, to the extent allowed by law.

Local enforcement: The city would be responsible for implementing and enforcing the SGAR prohibition, including establishing any necessary permits, inspections, or sanctions consistent with state law.

Scope of products covered: The prohibition targets second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), commonly used as rodent control products, which are distinct from first-generation anticoagulants.

State interaction: The bill operates within the framework of Massachusetts state environmental and public health laws. It does not create a statewide ban; rather, it authorizes a city to adopt a local prohibition.

Non-preemption: The bill does not explicitly preempt other municipalities from adopting similar restrictions; it enables Holyoke’s action and may influence neighboring jurisdictions.

Who would be affected

Local government: Holyoke would gain authority to regulate SGAR use locally, including potential rulemaking, enforcement, and penalties.

Retailers and distributors: Businesses selling SGARs in Holyoke would need to comply with the local prohibition, potentially affecting inventory, sales practices, and licensing.

Residents and property owners: Holyoke residents and property managers could be subject to restrictions on SGAR possession or use on private and public property within city lines.

Environmental and public health groups: Advocacy and public health organizations may view the measure as a tool to reduce non-target wildlife poisoning and environmental contamination.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to the Massachusetts Senate or House committee with jurisdiction on June 4, 2026 (Committee: Environment and Natural Resources).

Legislative process: As a local-authority enabling bill, passage would authorize Holyoke to implement a local prohibition; any actual ban would be enacted by the city through its own ordinances and regulatory processes, subject to state review as applicable.

Next steps: If the committee reports favorably, the bill would move through the usual legislative process (debate, potential amendments, votes) before any potential signing into law. If Holyoke chooses to proceed, the city would undertake its own regulatory steps to implement the SGAR prohibition.

Notes

Co-sponsor: Pat Duffy (adds legislative support within the sponsor’s office).

This summary focuses on the bill’s stated authorization for Holyoke to prohibit SGARs; it does not imply a statewide restriction and does not detail anticipated penalties or specific regulatory text, which would be defined in Holyoke’s local ordinance if enacted.