An Act authorizing the town of Andover to prohibit the use of anticoagulant rodenticides by commercial pesticide applicators

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Barry Finegold and 1 co-sponsor

Gives Andover authority to prohibit anticoagulant rodenticide use by commercial pesticide applicators within town, to protect wildlife and pets.

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

Summary of Bill: S 3093 (194th MA Legislature)

Purpose and intent

This bill authorizes the town of Andover to prohibit the use of anticoagulant rodenticides by commercial pesticide applicators within its borders.

The measure targets rodent control practices to protect non-target wildlife, including pets, children, and ecosystem health, by restricting the use of a specific class of rodenticides.

Key provisions and changes

Local authorization: Grants Andover the authority to enact restrictions on anticoagulant rodenticide use by licensed commercial pesticide applicators operating in the town.

Scope of prohibition: Applies to the employment of anticoagulant rodenticides by commercial pesticide applicators, not necessarily to private individuals unless specified by town regulations.

Regulatory framework: If enacted by Andover, the town would establish enforcement mechanisms, compliance standards, and penalties consistent with local ordinances for violations.

Consistency with broader policy: Aligns with public health and wildlife protection goals by limiting exposure to anticoagulants, which can pose risks to non-target species through secondary poisoning.

Who is affected

Commercial pesticide applicators working in Andover would be directly subject to the prohibition and any accompanying regulatory requirements.

Property owners and businesses in Andover may be affected insofar as they rely on commercial pest control services for rodent management.

Local wildlife and environment: Potential positive impact due to reduced incidental exposure of wildlife and pets to anticoagulant rodenticides.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Referral: On May 19, 2026, the bill was referred to the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

Next steps: The committee would review for public health impact, feasibility, enforcement considerations, and any unintended consequences before potentially advancing to a floor vote.

Potential enactment path: If the committee supports it, the bill could proceed to the full Senate for debate and vote, then to the House for concurrent action, and ultimately to the Governor for signature.

Additional notes

The bill designates a specific municipal authorization rather than statewide prohibitions, meaning its impact is localized to Andover unless other towns pursue similar actions.

The bill lists Barry Finegold as a co-sponsor, indicating legislative support within the chamber.

This summary focuses on the bill’s objective to empower Andover to restrict anticoagulant rodenticide use by commercial applicators, the anticipated regulatory framework if enacted, and the potential environmental and public health benefits, along with the procedural status as of the latest action.