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H 4310

Rudy Currence

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John King

Belmont can ban or curb second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides on public and private property, via local regulations, effective upon passage.

Introduced and adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4310

Summary: H.4310 — An Act authorizing the town of Belmont to prohibit or restrict the application of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides

Overview

H.4310 is a Massachusetts bill that would authorize the Town of Belmont to prohibit or restrict the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) within Belmont’s borders. The bill emphasizes local control, allowing Belmont to regulate SGAR use on both public and private properties. The act would take effect upon passage.

Purpose and Intent

  • Enable Belmont to adopt local regulations (bylaws or ordinances) restricting or prohibiting SGARs.
  • Provide a mechanism for Belmont to address concerns related to the use of MSRARs within the town, leveraging local governance to tailor requirements to local conditions.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, Belmont is authorized to enact and enforce local regulations, bylaws, or ordinances prohibiting or restricting the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides within the town boundaries, including on public and private property.
  • Section 2: The act shall take effect upon its passage.
  • The bill uses a broad grant of local regulatory authority, rather than imposing a statewide ban or statewide standards.

Geographic and Entity Scope

  • Geographic scope: Town of Belmont.
  • Regulatory scope: Local regulations by Belmont (bylaws/ordinances) governing the application of SGARs on both public and private properties within Belmont.

Implementation and Timing

  • Effective date: Upon passage (no delay period specified).
  • Status and schedule:
    • Hearing scheduled for October 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room A-1.
    • Legislative actions indicate prior steps: referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (July 23, 2025) and Senate concurrence (July 24, 2025).
    • Local approval noted as received for Belmont.
  • Procedural context: Local approval is typically a prerequisite for local-option legislation; the bill provides Belmont with the authority to adopt its own regulations, subject to local processes.

Affected Parties

  • Belmont residents and property owners (private properties).
  • Belmont public property managers and municipal agencies.
  • Pest control operators and businesses serving Belmont, who may need to comply with local restrictions if enacted.
  • State and local regulatory landscape concerning SGARs would be complemented by Belmont’s local standards.

Related and Legislative Context

  • House Docket No. 4932 (HD 4932) is the related filing, filed July 16, 2025.
  • The bill is identified as “HD 4310” in the Massachusetts House; it is described as a local authorization measure.
  • Related note: The bill indicates “Local Approval Received” for Belmont.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Local control: Belmont could implement bans or restrictions more stringent or tailored than state-level rules.
  • Compliance and enforcement: Local bylaws would govern enforcement; stakeholders may need to adapt pest-control practices to Belmont’s regulations.
  • State-law interactions: The bill uses a “notwithstanding” clause to authorize local action, indicating Belmont’s regulations would prevail within town boundaries regardless of other laws, subject to local adoption procedures.
  • Fiscal considerations: The text does not specify costs or funding; local adoption processes and enforcement would be determined locally.

Bottom Line

H.4310 would empower Belmont to prohibit or restrict SGAR use through local regulations, effective upon passage, with formal hearing ongoing and local approval already noted. It positions Belmont to craft tailored rules addressing rodenticide use within the town.

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

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