Senate Bill 298 aims to prohibit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from using neonicotinoid insecticides on land that it acquires and maintains, with specific exceptions. The bill creates a new statute, 29.601 (4m), which outlines that the DNR cannot use these insecticides, except in cases where they are part of existing cooperative farming agreements or contracts, or for forest insect control in designated areas such as state forest nurseries, seed orchards, or zones of infestation.

The legislation emphasizes the protection of the environment by restricting the use of harmful insecticides, while still allowing for necessary agricultural and forestry practices under certain conditions. This balance aims to mitigate the potential negative impacts of neonicotinoids on ecosystems while ensuring that the DNR can manage land effectively in collaboration with agricultural partners and for pest control in critical areas.