An Act to authorize the town of Lexington to prohibit or restrict the application of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Ciccolo

Allows Lexington to prohibit or restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides by local bylaw, overriding other laws if needed.

Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: House Bill HD 4655 — An Act to authorize the town of Lexington to prohibit or restrict the application of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides

Purpose

To empower the Town of Lexington to prohibit or restrict the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within the town limits via a future bylaw approved by Town Meeting.

The act is designed as a local-option measure, enabling Lexington to tailor its pesticide rules to address local environmental and public health concerns related to SGARs.

Key provisions

Section 1 — Purpose

Establishes the bill’s intent to allow Lexington to prohibit or restrict SGARs through a bylaw adopted by Town Meeting.

Section 2 — Local authority and scope

Provides that, notwithstanding Chapter 132B of the General Laws or any other laws, Lexington may by bylaw prohibit or restrict the application of SGARs within the town.
Covers all applications by licensed commercial applicators (as defined in 333 C.M.R. 10.00) in addition to other uses within Lexington.

Section 3 — Effective date

The act takes effect upon passage (i.e., upon enactment and signing into law).

Who would be affected

Town governance and residents: Lexington Town Meeting would be able to adopt bylaws restricting SGAR use; residents and property owners could be subject to such bylaws.

Licensed pesticide applicators: Including commercial applicators licensed under applicable state regulations; would need to comply with any Lexington-bylaw prohibiting or restricting SGAR applications.

Environment and wildlife: Potential reduction in exposure to SGARs for non-target wildlife and the environment if the town adopts restrictions or prohibition.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced: May 12, 2025.

Referred to: Environment and Natural Resources Committee (ENR) on May 12, 2025.

Local approval: The bill text indicates “Local Approval Received” for the petition, signaling initial local support.

Status: Classified as a proposed bill; no enacted law is in effect until the act is passed and signed by the Governor.

Context and implications

This is a local-authority bill rather than a statewide mandate. If Lexington adopts a bylaw under this act, the town could tailor restrictions or a prohibition of SGARs to its specific needs.

The provision to override other laws (notwithstanding other statutes) ensures Lexington’s ability to implement its bylaw even if conflicting state regulations exist, subject to legislative passage.

This summary captures the bill’s core intent, operative provisions, affected parties, and key procedural milestones.