Bill Extending Washington Invasive Species Council Heads To Governor’s Desk

By a unanimous vote last week, the Washington House approved legislation extending the life of the state’s Invasive Species Council. Senate Bill 5063, put forward by state Senator Jim Honeyford, also extends the Council’s mission to protect the state’s environment and economy from harmful non-native plants, inspects and animal.

The Sunnyside area Republican said the arrival of the murder hornets in 2020 is a prime example why the Invasive Species Council is so critical to the state. He added he was happy to see the legislation received bipartisan support.

The Legislature established the Invasive Species Council in 2006 to provide policy-level direction, planning, and coordination on how to address the problem. The goals of the council include minimizing the effects of harmful invasive species, serving as a forum for identifying and understanding relevant issues, facilitating joint planning and cooperation, educating the public, and providing policy advice to lawmakers.

Under SB 5063, funding for the Council has been extended to June 30^th, 2032. The legislation, which also received unanimous approval in the Senate, now heads to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature.

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