An Act prohibiting anticoagulant rodenticides in the town of Lincoln

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carmine Gentile and 1 co-sponsor

Lincoln may enact local bans on anticoagulant rodenticides, including prohibiting licensed applicators, with Board of Health exceptions for public health needs.

Bill Summary: An Act prohibiting anticoagulant rodenticides in the town of Lincoln (HD 6225, 194th MA General Court)

Purpose and intent

The bill authorizes the Town of Lincoln to prohibit the use of anticoagulant rodenticides within its municipal boundaries.

It allows Lincoln to enact local ordinances banning these pesticides, including prohibiting licensed commercial applicators from applying them, with a narrow exception for Board of Health approvals to address a public health condition.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Establishes that Lincoln may enact an ordinance prohibiting the application of anticoagulant rodenticides within the town. This includes prohibitions on applications by licensed commercial applicators (as defined by 333 C.M.R. 10.00).

Exception: The Board of Health may permit application if necessary to remediate a public health condition, meaning the prohibition is not absolute in all cases.

Section 2: The act becomes effective upon passage (immediate operative date upon enactment).

Who/what is affected

Local government: Town of Lincoln gains explicit authority to regulate or ban anticoagulant rodenticides through local ordinance.

Pesticide applicators: Licensed commercial applicators operating in Lincoln would be subject to the town’s local prohibition, unless a Board of Health exemption applies.

Public health interests: Potentially affected by the Board of Health’s ability to authorize remediation measures for ongoing health concerns related to rodent control.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: Immediate upon passage of the act.

Legislative pathway: The bill is filed as House Docket No. 6225 for the 194th General Court session; it is a local-option statute granting authority to Lincoln rather than imposing a statewide prohibition.

Sponsorship: Primarily introduced by Representatives Carmine Lawrence Gentile and Alice Hanlon Peisch (with Peisch as a co-sponsor).

Practical impact and considerations

The act enables Lincoln to tailor rodenticide policy to its local context, potentially reducing use of anticoagulant rodenticides in favor of alternative control methods.

Enforcement would be managed by local authorities, with oversight considerations for licensed applicators.

The Board of Health plays a role in balancing prohibition with public health needs by allowing targeted remediation where necessary.

This summary provides an objective overview of the bill’s purpose, main provisions, affected parties, and notable procedural aspects. If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to statewide rodenticide regulation or outline potential implementation steps for Lincoln.