Senate Bill 292 aims to amend current pesticide regulation laws in Wisconsin by allowing local political subdivisions, such as cities, villages, towns, and counties, to regulate pesticides specifically to protect pollinators and their habitats. Under existing law, these subdivisions are generally prohibited from regulating pesticide use, although there are certain exemptions, such as for storm water management or solid waste disposal. This bill introduces a new exemption that permits local authorities to enact regulations aimed at safeguarding pollinators, which are defined in the bill as insects that pollinate flowers.

The proposed legal language creates a new provision under section 94.701 (3) (b) 9., explicitly stating that local regulations can be established for the purpose of protecting pollinators or their habitats. This addition reflects a growing recognition of the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem and aims to empower local governments to take action in their preservation.