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HB 7222

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PESTICIDE CONTROL

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island will phase out anticoagulant rodenticides and support municipal rodent IPM pilots to reduce chemical use and promote multi-method pest management.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 7222

Summary of HB 7222 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • To update Rhode Island’s pesticide control framework and promote healthier, more sustainable pest management.
  • The bill introduces a state-wide rodent Integrated Pest Management (IPM) pilot program framework for municipalities, restricts certain anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) sales and use, and establishes related funding and regulatory structures.
  • It also expands definitions and clarifies oversight roles under the Pesticide Control statute.

Key provisions and changes

1) Definitions update (Chapter 23-25)

  • Reiterates and expands definitions used throughout the pesticide control law, including:
    • Active ingredients, inert ingredients, and ingredient statements.
    • Distinguishing “first generation” vs. “second generation” anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs).
    • IPM, plant regulators, defoliants, desiccants, and other classifications relevant to pesticide products.
    • Roles such as Director (of Environmental Management) and Board (Pesticide Advisory Board).
    • Clarifies terms related to pesticides, pests, sponsors, and restricted use designations.

2) New restrictions on rodenticides (Sections 23-25-41 to 23-25-42)

  • Rodenticides sales restrictions:
    • First-generation ARs: Beginning March 1, 2027, prohibited for sale in consumer stores and online outlets (e.g., drugstores, grocery stores, hardware stores).
    • Second-generation ARs: Beginning January 1, 2028, prohibited for sale in consumer stores and online outlets.
    • Exemption: Wholesalers may sell to licensed/commercial applicators and certified private/commercial applicators.
  • Rodenticides use restrictions:
    • Beginning January 1, 2029, use of first- and second-generation ARs is prohibited.
    • Certain exemptions:
    • State or municipal employees for specific public health or infrastructure purposes (e.g., drinking water protection, mosquito-borne disease vector control, invasive species control, actual public health-issue infestations with no adequate alternatives).
    • Medical waste generators and certain facilities compliant with federal law (FIFRA).
    • Agricultural settings in specified locations (e.g., warehouses, food production sites, distilleries/breweries/wineries).

Implication: A phased, strict move away from ARs in consumer retail and usage, prioritizing alternative rodent management strategies.

3) Rodent Integrated Pest Management Pilot Program Act (New Chapter 23-25.7)

  • Establishes a framework for municipal IPM pilots targeting rodent management.
  • Definitions specific to the pilot:
    • Integrated pest management (IPM) for rodents as a multi-method approach (sanitation, habitat modification, natural predators, pesticides as a last resort; includes rodent contraceptive options).
    • Rodent contraceptive as an EPA-approved agent.
    • Rodent mitigation zones designated by municipalities.
    • Rodent signs as indicators (burrows, rub marks, tracks, droppings, etc.).
  • Pilot program requirements:
    • Municipal participation voluntarily, in coordination with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
    • Designate pilot rodent mitigation areas and a comparable control area.
    • Baseline inspections for at least 3 months pre-deployment; continue monthly inspections for at least 6 months post-deployment.
    • Documentation of all interventions (IPM applications, sanitation changes, other measures) with monthly rodent sign tallies.
    • Annual reporting by the municipal department to the mayor/administrator, then to DEM, including costs, challenges, area-by-area data, and inspection logs.
  • Funding:
    • Establishes an Integrated IPM Fund to support municipal pilots, including seeking grants and philanthropic funding.
    • Funds deposited to a restricted account and distributed per DEM rules.
  • Timeline:
    • Pilot program implementation targeted to commence no later than July 1, 2027.
    • Pilot duration: at least 12 months, unless terminated earlier by the municipal department.
    • Final program report due within 3 months after termination.

4) Rules, sunset, and effective dates

  • DEM authority to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the act.
  • Sunset: Provisions of the new IPM pilot chapter sunset on October 1, 2029, unless extended by the General Assembly.
  • Effective dates:
    • Sections 1 and 4 (definitions and general framework) take effect upon passage.
    • Sections 2 and 3 (rodenticide restrictions and IPM pilot program) take effect January 1, 2027.

Who/what would be affected

  • Pesticide-related entities:
    • Retailers and online sellers of first- and second-generation ARs (consumer-facing outlets) would be restricted or phased out.
    • Manufacturers and distributors of ARs may be impacted by the phased bans and scheduling.
    • Certified/private/commercial applicators and licensed commercial applicators would retain access via wholesaler channels, subject to restricted-use classifications and municipal IPM requirements.
  • Municipalities:
    • Eligible to participate in voluntary IPM rodent pilot programs, designating rodent mitigation areas, tracking interventions, and reporting outcomes.
    • May access state funds via the Integrated IPM Fund.
  • Department of Environmental Management:
    • Oversees IPM pilots, collects and reviews reports, and promulgates implementing rules.
    • Responsible for the funding mechanism and regulatory framework.
  • Public health and environmental outcomes:
    • Anticipated shift toward IPM and non-chemical rodent control measures, aiming to reduce reliance on anticoagulant rodenticides.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Implementation timeline:
    • January 1, 2027: IPM pilot program sections become effective; retail AR restrictions begin for first-generation ARs (March 1, 2027 for sales in consumer outlets).
    • January 1, 2028: Second-generation ARs restricted from consumer sales.
    • January 1, 2029: Prohibition on use of both first- and second-generation ARs, with specified exemptions.
    • July 1, 2027: Target start date for municipalities to initiate IPM pilots; minimum 12-month pilot duration.
    • Three months post-pilot: Final reporting to municipalities and DEM.
    • Sunset: Provisions expire October 1, 2029 unless extended.
  • Oversight and rulemaking:
    • DEM to promulgate implementing rules and regulations.
    • Reports generated by municipalities must be standardized to DEM for review and potential funding decisions.

Notable considerations

  • Balances public health and environmental protection with practical pest management needs through exemptions for certain essential uses.
  • Emphasizes data collection and evaluation of IPM pilots to guide future policy.
  • Creates a dedicated funding stream to support municipalities in transitioning to IPM approaches.

Overall, HB 7222 advances a phased reduction of anticoagulant rodenticides in Rhode Island and promotes municipal experiments with integrated pest management to manage rodent populations more sustainably.

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

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