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Bill to allow service‑district funds for invasive‑plant control wins unanimous committee backing
Summary
SB 89 lets local service districts add invasive plant control to authorized powers so district funds can be used for management; the committee reported the bill unanimously (15–0) after broad support from conservation groups and localities.
Senate Bill 89, presented by Senator Saddam Saleem, would permit service districts to include invasive plant control among their authorized powers so localities can use district funds to address invasive vegetation. Sponsor noted the high annual cost of invasives statewide and framed the bill as a technical tool for local governments.
Supporters — including Blue Ridge Prism, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia LCV, Environment Virginia and local preservation groups — described the measure as "another tool in the toolbox" that enables coordinated, cross‑jurisdictional work on invasives and helps localities address the economic and ecological costs.
The committee reported the bill unanimously (Eyes 15, no 0).
