SB3862 Summary

• Prohibits use of pesticides containing neonicotinoids outdoors on State-owned or State-maintained land effective January 1, 2023, with limited exceptions.

• Permits neonicotinoid use only for structural pest control or abatement of non-native insect borers (like emerald ash borer) using restricted application methods: basal bark spray, basal drench, soil injection, or trunk injection.

• Exempts pretreated seeds containing neonicotinoids on public State lands and allows neonicotinoid use on property belonging to public institutions of higher education.

• Defines "neonicotinoid" to include clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, nithiazine, nitenpyram, and other neonicotinoids identified by Department of Agriculture rules.

• For insect borer abatement on plants pollinated by insects, birds, or bats ("zoophilous species"), application must occur after blooming ends and allow sufficient time for chemical decomposition before the next bloom season.