Raised Bill No. 190, introduced in the General Assembly, concerns the regulation of neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides. The bill proposes to amend section 22a-50 of the general statutes by repealing subsection (l) and substituting it with new provisions effective October 1, 2024. The new language requires the commissioner to classify all neonicotinoids labeled for treating plants as restricted use by January 1, 2018. Furthermore, starting December 31, 2027, the bill restricts the use of any pesticide containing neonicotinoids, with specific exceptions for licensed arborists, ornamental plant applicators, indoor and structural applications by licensed pesticide applicators, applications for managing ticks and mosquitoes, use by nurseries, and use by golf course superintendents.

The bill also introduces penalties for violations, allowing the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to assess a civil penalty of up to $2,500 for each violation of the restrictions on neonicotinoid use. However, the prohibition does not apply to neonicotinoids not labeled for use on plants, such as those in personal care products, pet care products, or for veterinary use. The purpose of the bill is to prohibit the nonagricultural use of neonicotinoids. The bill indicates that deletions from the current law are enclosed in brackets, while additions are underlined, except when the entire text of a bill or section is new, in which case it is not underlined.