OLYMPIA, Wash.- A bill which would encourage local governments to foster sustainable bee populations passed the Washington State Senate on Feb. 12.
SB 5934, entitled “an act relating to pollinator habitat,” would bar municipalities and counties from passing any policies which would ban beehives. It would ensure that allow Washington homeowners are allowed to create bee habitats on their property regardless of local homeowners’ association regulations.
The bill, which is primary sponsored by Spokane Valley’s Senator Mike Padden (R), was initially suggested to Padden by a Mount Spokane High School student.
In a humorous exchange during a Senate Local Government, Land Use and Tribal Affairs hearing on Jan. 11, committee vice-chair Senator Jesse Salomon expressed his surprise at seeing the conservative lawmaker introduce a habitat protection policy.
“Environmentalist Senator Padden–it’s really good to see you,” Salomon joked.
Padden has touted the policy as a win for state agricultural businesses, who require a strong pollinator population to maintain profits.
The bill passed the chamber with only one dissenting vote, and now awaits introduction in the House.
