An Act authorizing the city of Lowell to prohibit or restrict the application of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rodney Elliott and 3 co-sponsors

Allows Lowell to prohibit or restrict second-gen anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) by local ordinance, effective upon passage, affecting licensed applicators and residents.

Overview

HD 4898 is a proposed Massachusetts bill that would authorize the City of Lowell to regulate, including prohibit or restrict, the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within the city limits. The bill explicitly creates an exception to existing general and special laws, allowing Lowell to adopt ordinances governing SGAR applications, including those conducted by licensed commercial applicators. The measure would take effect immediately upon passage.

Key contextual notes:
- Bill Number: House Docket No. 4898
- Title: An Act authorizing the city of Lowell to prohibit or restrict the application of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides
- Introduced/Filed: July 2025 (House Docket No. 4266)
- Primary Sponsor: Rep. Vanna Howard (Lowell)
- Local approval: Indicated in the bill text as part of the petitioning process
- Status: Not explicitly listed in the provided excerpt; the included material reflects introduction and filing dates and the local-approval petition process

What the bill would do (Key Provisions)

Section 1: Grants Lowell broad authority to prohibit or restrict the application of SGARs within the city via city ordinance. This power is explicit notwithstanding Chapter 132B or any other general or special law.

The authority covers all SGARs, regardless of the entity applying them, including licensed commercial applicators (as defined in 333 C.M.R. 10.00).

Section 2: Establishes that the act takes effect upon passage (no transition period or separate effective date required).

Who is affected

Primary affect: City of Lowell and its residents, businesses, and local government operations.

Practitioners and businesses: Licensed commercial pesticide applicators who operate within Lowell would be subject to any Lowell SGAR ordinance (e.g., restrictions or prohibitions on SGAR use within city limits).

General public and non-target wildlife: Potential indirect impact through changes in rodent management practices and reduced SGAR usage within Lowell.

Implementation and timeline

Effective date: Immediate upon passage of the act (no delayed effective date specified).

Local process: The bill contemplates Lowell enacting its own ordinance to regulate SGARs; it interacts with existing state laws by providing an explicit local option.

Legislative status: As of the provided document, the bill is a proposed measure introduced in 2025; local approval steps are referenced in the petition sections.

Potential implications and considerations

Public health and environment: By enabling local restriction or prohibition of SGARs, Lowell could reduce non-target wildlife exposure (e.g., birds of prey) and potential bioaccumulation concerns, depending on the adopted ordinance.

Regulatory landscape: If Lowell adopts an SGAR ordinance, businesses and residents may need to adjust pest-control practices, procurement, and compliance processes within the city.

Preemption and scope: The act explicitly states it supersedes conflicting provisions in Chapter 132B or other laws for Lowell, preserving local control over SGAR regulation.

If you’d like, I can add a section comparing this bill to existing state SGAR regulations or provide a brief impact analysis for stakeholders (pest management firms, environmental groups, and city officials).

Bill