Creates a tick control program to be implemented by the department of environmental management.

Rhode Island Tick Control Program Bill

This bill would direct Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to create and run a formal tick control program across the state. The goal is to reduce the tick population in Rhode Island and, by extension, lower the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, which are a significant public health concern in the region. The program would give the DEM official responsibility and authority to coordinate tick management efforts statewide.

The bill would affect a wide range of Rhode Islanders, including residents who spend time outdoors, homeowners, outdoor workers, hikers, and anyone who lives near wooded or grassy areas where ticks are commonly found. It could also involve coordination with local communities, landowners, and public parks or green spaces. The specific tools and methods the DEM might use — such as public education, pesticide treatments, habitat management, or other strategies — would likely be defined as the program is developed.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee, though a scheduled hearing was postponed in April 2026. It has not yet been passed into law. If enacted, this bill represents a more organized, government-led approach to a problem that many Rhode Island residents already deal with on their own, potentially making tick prevention resources more widely available and consistent across the state.