WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 5523

An Act authorizing the town of Sharon to prohibit the use of second-generation anticoagulants

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Sharon could ban or heavily restrict the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within town limits, even for licensed applicators.

Senate concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 5523

Overview

This bill would authorize the Town of Sharon to prohibit the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within Sharon. It allows the town to regulate or ban application of these pesticides, including by licensed commercial applicators, with a limited exception for remediation of a public health condition as determined by the local Board of Health. The act would take effect upon passage.

Purpose and intent

  • Empower Sharon to prohibit or regulate second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within town borders.
  • Provide a local mechanism to address potential public health or environmental concerns associated with SGAR usage.
  • Align local authority with the town’s perceived public health interests and allow targeted pesticide control decisions at the municipal level.

Key provisions

  • Legislative authorization for Sharon to enact an ordinance banning the application of SGARs within the town.
  • The prohibition would cover applications by licensed commercial applicators as defined in 333 C.M.R. 10.00.
  • The ordinance may include exemptions only for remediation of a public health condition, as determined by the Town’s Board of Health.
  • The act explicitly states it takes effect upon passage, superseding general laws or other statutes to the contrary for the Town of Sharon.

Who/what is affected

  • Geographic scope: The Town of Sharon, Massachusetts.
  • Regulated activities: The application of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, including applications performed by licensed commercial pesticide applicators.
  • Exemption scope: Potential Board of Health-approved remediation activities for public health conditions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (as of 2026-06-22).
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage of the act.
  • Legislative path: Local approval petitioned by an individual representative and senator; local ordinance subsequently adopted by Sharon would implement the prohibition.

Practical implications

  • Local control: Sharon could tailor or tighten restrictions beyond state or federal pesticide controls.
  • Public health/environmental impact: If enacted, SGAR usage would be greatly reduced or eliminated in Sharon, potentially reducing risks to non-target wildlife and human exposure.
  • Implementation considerations: The town would need to draft and adopt an ordinance, coordinate with the Board of Health, and communicate changes to residents and licensed applicators.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to existing state law on SGARs or outline potential sample language for a Sharon SGAR ordinance.

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

Sign in to ask a question.