The bill aims to protect pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, by regulating the use of neonicotinoid insecticides in Washington State. It recognizes the critical role of pollinators in biodiversity and agricultural production, noting that about 35% of food crops rely on them. While neonicotinoids are widely used and less toxic to mammals, they pose risks to pollinators, contributing to their decline. To mitigate this, the bill restricts the use of neonicotinoids on nonproduction outdoor ornamental plants, trees, and turf starting January 1, 2026, unless used under specific conditions such as licensed applications or tree injections.

Additionally, the bill allows the director to authorize the use of restricted neonicotinoids in response to urgent pest threats, provided that the public is informed of the threat and the details of the authorization. The legislation also mandates a review and update of related rules every four years to ensure effective administration and enforcement. Definitions for key terms such as "agricultural commodity," "neonicotinoid insecticide," and "urgent pest threat" are included to clarify the scope of the bill.