(The Center Square) – A Spokane Valley legislator’s measure to help honeybees and other pollinator species cleared the state Senate earlier this week with near-unanimous support and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Bill 5934 was introduced by 4th District Republican Sen. Mike Padden to promote the use of “pollinator-friendly” shrubs and bushes in landscaping, including those on public lands.
Padden said bees, butterflies, and other species play a “very important role in the pollination of crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.”
The bill passed the Senate Monday in a 48-1 vote and is now scheduled for a public hearing by the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m.
Under an amended version of the bill, local governments may encourage but not require applicants for projects or commercial building permits to include pollinator-friendly plants in landscaped areas. The proposed measure also says cities and counties may set restrictions related to beehives, but cannot adopt an ordinance which bans beehives. And homeowner associations and other “common interest” communities may not prohibit installation of pollinator habitat, including beehives that comply with local regulations.