Quantcast

Milwaukee North News

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Sen. Sinykin of Wisconsin Senate authors bill allowing local pesticide regulation to protect pollinators

Webp 8bkto118b7c9fthf3lzj3csfa917

Jodi Habush Sinykin, Wisconsin State Senator for 8th District | Facebook

Jodi Habush Sinykin, Wisconsin State Senator for 8th District | Facebook

The new bill authored by State Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin in the Wisconsin Senate seeks to enable political subdivisions to regulate pesticides, aiming to protect vital pollinator populations and their habitats, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "local regulation of pesticides to protect pollinators".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill permits political subdivisions in Wisconsin, such as cities, villages, towns, or counties, to regulate pesticides specifically to protect pollinators and pollinator habitats. Previously, political subdivisions were generally prohibited from regulating pesticides, though some exceptions existed, such as for stormwater management or solid waste containing pesticides. The bill expands these exemptions, allowing local regulations aimed at safeguarding insects that pollinate flowers. This new measure intends to enhance environmental protection efforts by enabling targeted pesticide regulation at the local level, with a focus on preserving vital pollinator populations and their natural habitats.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Lee Snodgrass (Democrat-52nd District), Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District), Senator Sarah Keyeski (Democrat-14th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), and Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), along 30 other co-sponsors.

Jodi Habush Sinykin has authored or co-authored another 41 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Sinykin graduated from the University of Michigan in 1989 and again in 1992 from Harvard Law School with a JD.

Sinykin, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2025 to represent the state's 8th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Dan Knodl.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bills Introduced by Jodi Habush Sinykin in Wisconsin Senate During 2025 Regular Session

Bill NumberDate IntroducedShort Description
SB29205/30/2025Local regulation of pesticides to protect pollinators
SB23204/29/2025Grants to child advocacy centers. (FE)
SB21204/16/2025The form of referendum questions
SB17504/03/2025Local building permit fees for certain improvements of residences of disabled veterans. (FE)
SB15003/21/2025Passing legislation to reduce carbon emissions
SB12203/07/2025Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Port Washington. (FE)

MORE NEWS