Environment Committee advances rodenticide bill after amendment to preserve professional use fails

The Environment Committee voted to advance HB 6915, concerning the use of second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides, after defeating an amendment that would have carved out an exception for licensed pest‑control professionals.

The amendment, offered by Representative Robert Callahan, would have removed a word in line 37 and inserted language permitting “any licensed pet control professional” to use the chemicals; it was seconded by Representative Reddington Hughes. The amendment failed in a roll call vote, 8 yes, 21 no, with 6 members absent.

Committee members debated two central concerns: advocates for restriction argued the chemicals harm non‑target species, including raptors, while opponents of the amendment warned that a total ban could push users to older, potentially more hazardous products. Representative Callahan summarized his proposal as a narrow, one‑line change intended to allow trained applicators to protect buildings and customers. “We want to take the rodenticides out of the hands of homeowners who throw the stuff around like chicken feed, but we don't want—we want to let the professionals,” Callahan said.

Opponents of the amendment included Representative Mashinsky, who warned that second‑generation compounds can be fatal to birds of prey and noted those birds do not respond to treatment; Mashinsky urged a no vote on the amendment. Representative Dubitsky and Representative Escobar also favored keeping professional exemptions off the bill, saying the newer chemicals can be more effective and use less material, which reduces overall environmental exposure.

After the amendment failed, committee leadership said the bill would continue to be developed as it advanced. Representative John Michael Parker, House co‑chair of the committee, presided over the proceeding. Representative Crespo moved to send the underlying bill JFS (joint favorable substitute) to the floor; Representative Chaffee seconded that motion. The roll call on the bill was taken and votes were held open until 2 p.m. per the committee’s order.

Why it matters: Second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides have been linked in testimony and advocacy materials to secondary poisoning in wildlife. The committee discussion shows lawmakers weighing a public‑health and nuisance‑control need against documented wildlife harms and differing views on whether professional exemptions are appropriate.

Next steps: HB 6915 was advanced out of committee for further action on the House floor; committee organizers said they expect continued negotiation on language before final passage is sought.