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S 2933

An Act authorizing the town of Billerica to ban second generation anticoagulant rodenticides within the town

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Cindy Friedman and 1 co-sponsor

Billerica may ban second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to reduce predator poisoning, though effectiveness and pest control costs remain contested.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2933

Legislative bill overview

S 2933 authorizes the town of Billerica, Massachusetts to independently ban the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within its municipal boundaries. Second-generation anticoagulants are a class of rat and mouse poisons that work by preventing blood clotting. The bill has passed the House and is currently under committee review.

Why is this important

Second-generation anticoagulants persist in animal tissue and accumulate in predators that eat poisoned rodents, causing documented harm to hawks, owls, foxes, and other wildlife. Several Massachusetts municipalities and states have banned SGARs due to environmental and non-target wildlife concerns. This bill grants Billerica local authority to make its own pest control policy rather than being bound by state-level restrictions alone.

Potential points of contention

  • Pest control effectiveness: Pest management professionals argue SGARs are the most effective rodent control available; bans could require municipalities to use less effective alternatives or tolerate larger rodent populations
  • Economic impact: Pest control businesses operating in Billerica may face increased costs or operational constraints if forced to switch to first-generation anticoagulants or non-chemical methods
  • Patchwork regulation: A town-by-town approach creates inconsistent rules across the region, which opponents argue is inefficient and creates compliance confusion for pest control operators

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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