Sign and let’s push this into legislation! 
There are other ways to control rodent populations without recklessly using deadly toxins  that are killing and injuring  everything else too.  
Poison as a “solution” literally makes no sense ! There are better solutions. We landed on the moon!   We can figure this out!! 

 

Proposal: 

California State Assembly Bill No. 2024

Title: An Act to Prohibit the Use of Rodenticides in the State of California

Section 1: Purpose and Findings

(a) The Legislature finds and declares the following:

(1) Rodenticides, particularly anticoagulant rodenticides, have severe adverse effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health.

(2) Studies have shown that rodenticides cause secondary poisoning, affecting non-target wildlife species such as birds of prey, mammals, and reptiles, leading to population declines and biodiversity loss.

(3) Rodenticides pose significant risks to pets and humans, particularly children, through accidental ingestion and contamination of food and water supplies.

(4) Safer and more sustainable alternatives to rodenticides exist, including integrated pest management (IPM) practices that reduce the reliance on harmful chemicals.

Section 2: Definitions

(a) “Rodenticide” refers to any substance intended to kill rodents, including but not limited to anticoagulant rodenticides, bromethalin, cholecalciferol, zinc phosphide, and other toxic chemicals used for rodent control.

(b) “Integrated Pest Management (IPM)” refers to an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties.

Section 3: Prohibition on the Use of Rodenticides

(a) The manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of rodenticides are hereby prohibited within the State of California, effective January 1, 2025.

(b) This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the following products:
(1) First-generation anticoagulant rodenticides: warfarin, chlorophacinone, diphacinone.
(2) Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides: brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, difethialone.
(3) Non-anticoagulant rodenticides: bromethalin, cholecalciferol, zinc phosphide.

Section 4: Exceptions

(a) This prohibition shall not apply to:
(1) The use of rodenticides by licensed professionals for public health purposes in specific and limited situations where no reasonable alternative exists, subject to strict oversight and reporting requirements.
(2) Research institutions for the purpose of scientific research, under controlled conditions and with proper permits from relevant state authorities.

Section 5: Enforcement and Penalties

(a) The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this Act.

(b) Any person or entity found in violation of this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each day the violation occurs. Repeat offenders may face increased penalties and potential criminal charges.

Section 6: Public Education and Outreach

(a) The DPR, in coordination with relevant state and local agencies, shall develop and implement a comprehensive public education and outreach program to inform residents, businesses, and municipalities about the dangers of rodenticides and promote safer alternatives, including IPM practices.

Section 7: Severability

(a) If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are severable.

Section 8: Effective Date

(a) This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2025.

Legislative Counsel’s Digest

Purpose: This bill seeks to protect the environment, wildlife, and public health by prohibiting the use of rodenticides in California. The ban aims to address the documented negative impacts of these toxic substances and promote safer pest control methods.

Fiscal Impact: The bill will require funding for the Department of Pesticide Regulation to enforce the ban and implement educational programs. The potential reduction in environmental and public health costs associated with rodenticide poisoning may offset these expenses.

Environmental Impact: The prohibition of rodenticides is expected to benefit non-target wildlife species, reduce biodiversity loss, and contribute to healthier ecosystems.