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H 4266

Building codes

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carl Anderson and 1 co-sponsor

Lowell may prohibit or restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides via local ordinance, overriding state law to regulate commercial applicators and protect wildlife.

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
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Bill Summary · H 4266

Summary of House Bill H.4266 (An Act authorizing the city of Lowell to prohibit or restrict the application of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill would grant the City of Lowell the authority to regulate (including prohibit or restrict) the application of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within the city.
  • The act is designed to address local concerns about rodenticide use, potential environmental impacts, and wildlife health by enabling Lowell to tailor restrictions through local ordinance.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Local authority
    • Notwithstanding Chapter 132B of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, Lowell may by ordinance prohibit or restrict the application of SGARs within the city.
    • The ordinance could cover applications by licensed commercial applicators (as defined in 333 C.M.R. 10.00) and other applications within Lowell.
  • Section 2: Effective date
    • The act takes effect upon passage.

What would be regulated

  • The use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within Lowell’s municipal boundaries.
  • This includes regulation or prohibition of SGAR applications by licensed pest control operators (licensed commercial applicators) operating in Lowell, as defined by state regulatory standards.

Who is affected

  • City of Lowell government and its regulatory power.
  • Licensed pest control operators and contractors working in Lowell (to the extent regulations cover commercial applicators).
  • Property owners, businesses, and residents within Lowell who may be subject to SGAR restrictions or prohibitions.
  • Potential environmental and wildlife stakeholders who may benefit from reduced SGAR exposure.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced July 14, 2025; referred to the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
  • Legislative actions: Senate concurrence occurred on July 21, 2025.
  • Hearing: A scheduled hearing on October 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room A-1.
  • Local approval: The bill notes “Local Approval Received,” indicating support from Lowell’s local authorities.
  • Related bill: HD 4898 is listed as replacing this measure.

Relationship to existing law

  • This is a local-option act, enabling Lowell to adopt ordinances specific to SGAR use that may differ from state-wide requirements.
  • Section 1 explicitly states it overrides conflicting general or special laws to permit local regulation.

Potential impact

  • Scope for Lowell to reduce reliance on SGARs and mitigate non-target wildlife exposure through local policy.
  • Could affect scheduling, permitting, training, and compliance requirements for pest control operators serving Lowell.
  • If enacted, other municipalities might pursue similar local authority to regulate SGARs in response to local environmental and public health priorities.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text and status as provided, including the scheduled hearing and its local-approval posture.

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

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