An act relating to the regulation of the use of rodenticides

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Satcowitz

The bill would ban the sale and use of first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in Vermont, with limited exemptions for pest control needs.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry

Purpose and intent

Prohibit the use of both first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides by any person in Vermont, including commercial applicators.

Ban the sale (including internet sales) of first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within the state.

Create narrowly defined exemptions to the prohibition when needed by the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife (VTFW) to control pests or when no other pest control method would be effective.

Restrict use of other legal rodenticides (e.g., bromethalin) near wildlife refuges, state parks, wildlife management areas, or other ecologically sensitive areas.

Key provisions

Prohibitions:

Use of first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides by all individuals and entities (including commercial applicators) in Vermont.
Sale of first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within the state, including online sales.

Exemptions:

Authorized exemptions allow use when the Department of Fish and Wildlife determines it is necessary to control pests or when no other pest control method would be effective.

Restrictions on other rodenticides:

Additional limits on the near-territory use of non-anticoagulant rodenticides like bromethalin in ecologically sensitive areas (wildlife refuges, state parks, wildlife management areas, etc.).

Who and what is affected

Vermonters: individuals, homeowners, businesses, and organizations would be subject to the use and sale prohibitions for anticoagulant rodenticides.

Commercial pest control operators: prohibited from using or selling first- and second-generation anticoagulants, unless an exemption applies.

State agencies: Department of Fish and Wildlife would have authority to grant exemptions for pest control needs or when no alternatives exist.

Environment and wildlife areas: use of other rodenticides (such as bromethalin) would be restricted near sensitive ecological sites to reduce risks to wildlife.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry (as of 2025-02-25).

Committee activity: The bill has held multiple committee hearings and discussions (March–April 2025), including testimony from wildlife officials, pest management professionals, and policy advocates.

Next steps: If approved by the committee, the bill would move to the full House for debate and a vote, and could then proceed to the Senate with potential amendments and a conference if necessary. The short-form bill excerpt indicates textual provisions may be added in the full version.

Summary of potential impact

Public health and environment: Aims to reduce exposure of humans and wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides, which have been linked to secondary poisoning and ecological concerns.

Pest control practices: Requires changes in pest management approaches, potentially increasing consideration of non-chemical methods or safer alternatives, and creating a governance framework for exemptions.

Retail and commerce: Would curb or eliminate state sales of certain rodenticides, including online sales, affecting retailers and consumers.

Compliance and enforcement: Would necessitate regulatory guidance from state agencies on exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and timelines for phasing out anticoagulants.

Bill