Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB319

Introduced
6/12/25  
Refer
6/12/25  

Caption

An Act to amend 1.10 (4); to create 1.10 (3) (w) of the statutes; Relating to: designating the rusty patched bumble bee as the state native insect.

Impact

The designation of the rusty patched bumble bee as the state insect may encourage educational initiatives and conservation programs aimed at protecting pollinator habitats and promoting biodiversity within Wisconsin. Additionally, this bill aligns with ongoing environmental initiatives that stress the importance of preserving bee populations, which are vital for agriculture and natural ecosystems. This legislative action highlights the state's commitment to environmental sustainability and species conservation.

Summary

Senate Bill 319 aims to designate the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) as the state native insect of Wisconsin. This bill not only seeks to raise awareness about this specific species, which has seen significant declines in population, but also emphasizes the importance of native pollinators to the state's ecosystem. By including the rusty patched bumble bee in the Wisconsin Blue Book as a state symbol, the bill advocates for greater conservation efforts and public recognition of the challenges faced by these critical insects.

Contention

While the bill is primarily an environmental recognition, potential points of contention may arise from stakeholders concerned about the implications of conservation on local agricultural practices and land use. Some farmers and landowners might express worries regarding regulations that could emerge from increased awareness of pollinator protection. Advocates for the bill might counter that such efforts will ultimately benefit agriculture by ensuring the health of pollinator populations that are necessary for crop production.

Companion Bills

WI AB305

Crossfiled An Act to amend 1.10 (4); to create 1.10 (3) (w) of the statutes; Relating to: designating the rusty patched bumble bee as the state native insect.

Previously Filed As

WI AB305

Designating the rusty patched bumble bee as the state native insect.

WI SB155

Brown-belted bumblebee (Bombus griseocollis); designating as the official state native pollinator.

WI SR158

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

WI SCR140

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

WI AB100

An act to amend the Budget Act of 2023 (Chapters 12, 38, and 189 of the Statutes of 2023) by amending Items 5227-122-0001 and 7502-495 of Section 2.

WI H3570

Disclosure of Economic Interests

WI SR129

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Continue To Provide Funding And Support To The Ukrainian Military In Its Defense Of Aggression From Russia.

WI SCR159

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Continue To Provide Funding And Support To The Ukrainian Military In Its Defense Of Aggression From Russia.

WI HR186

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

WI SB3225

A Bill For An Act Relating To Statutory Revision: Amending Or Repealing Various Provisions Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes Or The Session Laws Of Hawaii For The Purposes Of Correcting Errors And References, Clarifying Language, Or Deleting Obsolete Or Unnecessary Provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.