Researcher: DD Page 1 3/18/25
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6915
AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF SECOND -GENERATION
ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES.
SUMMARY
This bill generally prohibits the use of “second-generation
anticoagulant rodenticides” in Connecticut (i.e. pesticide products
containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, or difethialone;
see BACKGROUND ). It exempts several uses from the ban, such as
applications by state employees for public health or water supply
protection reasons, agricultural activity, or at a medical waste generator
location.
Under the bill, a violation of the ban is subject to a civil fine of up to
$5,000 per violation by the Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP). The bill also allows DEEP to adopt regulations on
the continued use of these rodenticides to ensure that it is not reasonably
expected to have significant adverse effects on nontarget wildlife. The
regulations must include provisions for the rodenticides’ use if it is
necessary to eradicate invasive rodent populations to protect threatened
or endangered species or their habitats.
Lastly, the bill requires DEEP, by January 1, 2027, to report to the
Environment Committee on the potential implications of applying
existing statutory and regulatory restrictions and licensing
requirements to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide use. The
report must include (1) an analysis of the consistency of applying the
restrictions and requirements with federal law; (2) potential effects,
including improved raptor health and expenses and delays that the
changes may have on public health and agriculture in Connecticut; and
(3) required administrative resources to oversee the restrictions.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025 2025HB-06915-R000112-BA.DOCX
Researcher: DD Page 2 3/18/25
RODENTICIDE EXCEPTIO NS
The bill exempts the following uses from the ban:
1. by a state employee within the scope of his or her duties (a) for
public health activities conducted under the Public Health Code
or (b) to protect water supply infrastructure and facilities in a
way that is consistent with federal and state laws and regulations;
2. by a health director to control mosquito or vector breeding areas
to protect public health;
3. in a location that is a medical waste generator, or any facility that
is annually registered, subject to inspection under the federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and complies with the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act;
4. to eradicate nonnative invasive species inhabiting or found on
offshore islands in a way that is consistent with federal and state
laws and regulations;
5. to control an actual or potential rodent infestation associated
with a public health need that the public health commissioner or
a health director determines by a supporting declaration; and
6. for agricultural activities, including those done at a warehouse
for storing foods for human or animal consumption; a factory,
brewery, or winery; an agricultural food production site (e.g.,
slaughterhouse or cannery); or an agricultural production site
housing water storage or conveyance facilities or rights-of-way
and other transportation infrastructure.
Under the bill, a “public health need” is an urgent, nonroutine
situation posing a significant human health risk. It must also be
documented that other rodent control methods, including nonchemical
ones, are inadequate to control the infestation.
2025HB-06915-R000112-BA.DOCX
Researcher: DD Page 3 3/18/25
BACKGROUND
Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Most rodenticides are anticoagulant compounds that interfere with
blood clotting and cause death from excessive bleeding. Second-
generation anticoagulants were developed to control rodents that are
resistant to first-generation anticoagulants. These pesticides are more
likely to be effective after a single feeding and may remain in animal
tissue longer than first-generation products. They are registered only for
the commercial and structural pest control markets and are currently
under federal Environmental Protection Agency registration review. In
Connecticut, they are currently classified by DEEP as a general-use
pesticide; no specialized license is currently required to apply second
generation anticoagulant rodenticides.
Related Bill
sSB 9, § 33, favorably reported by the Environment Committee,
requires DEEP, by January 1, 2026, to reclassify second-generation
anticoagulant rodenticides as restricted use products. In effect, this
would limit applications of these products to only certified applicators,
or under the supervision of a certified applicator, and may be subject to
additional DEEP regulations.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Environment Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 25 Nay 10 (02/28/2025)