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Bill

SB 298

Relating to: ban on the use of certain insecticides by the Department of Natural Resources.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 13 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill bans certain insecticides from DNR use, restricting the state's pest and invasive species management chemical options.

Representative Haywood added as a cosponsor
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Bill Summary · SB 298

Legislative bill overview

SB 298 would prohibit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from using certain specified insecticides in its operations and management activities. The bill appears to target pesticides deemed harmful to environmental or public health concerns, though the specific insecticides are not detailed in the available bill information.

Why is this important

State resource management agencies use insecticides for various purposes including controlling invasive species, managing disease vectors, and protecting natural habitats. Restricting which chemicals DNR can deploy affects how the state manages public lands, controls pest populations, and responds to ecological threats—with potential implications for wildlife management, vector-borne disease control, and ecosystem health.

Potential points of contention

  • Specificity and scope: The bill's effectiveness depends on which insecticides are actually banned; overly broad restrictions could limit legitimate management tools, while vague language could create enforcement ambiguity
  • Scientific basis vs. precaution: Disagreement may exist over whether restrictions are based on peer-reviewed evidence of harm or represent a precautionary approach that may lack complete scientific consensus
  • Operational feasibility: Limiting DNR's toolkit could increase costs, reduce management flexibility in responding to pest emergencies, or require alternative (potentially more expensive or less effective) control methods

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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