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HB 5135

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF GLYPHOSATE ON STATE AND MUNICIPAL OWNED PROPERTIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Turco

Connecticut bill prohibits glyphosate herbicide use on state and municipal properties, shifting vegetation management practices despite federal EPA approval of the chemical.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#herbicides #municipalproperty #stateproperty
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Bill Summary · HB 5135

Legislative bill overview

HB 5135 would ban the use of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) on all state and municipal properties in Connecticut. The bill applies to government-owned lands, facilities, and right-of-ways managed by state agencies and local municipalities. This represents a precautionary approach to herbicide use on public property.

Why is this important

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides globally, but it has become increasingly controversial due to health concerns and environmental debates. Connecticut municipalities currently use it for vegetation management on roadsides, parks, and public facilities, so this ban would require switching to alternative weed control methods—potentially affecting maintenance budgets and practices across the state. The decision signals a policy position on pesticide risk that could influence other states or private purchasing.

Potential points of contention

  • Health and liability questions: While the WHO's cancer agency classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic," regulatory agencies like the EPA maintain it's safe at approved use levels; restricting it suggests different risk tolerance than federal standards
  • Cost implications: Alternative herbicides or manual removal methods may be more expensive, potentially increasing municipal budgets without clear offsetting savings
  • Efficacy and land management: Glyphosate is effective for invasive species control; alternatives may require more frequent application or labor-intensive approaches, affecting ecosystem management outcomes

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

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