Assembly Bill 287 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 regulations related to storm water management or the disposal of solid waste containing pesticides. This bill introduces a new exemption that explicitly permits local governments 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., which states 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 authorities to take action in their preservation.