Indiana lawmakers OK reauthorizing invasive species panel

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana lawmakers have approved a bill reauthorizing a council that focuses attention on the threat that invasive species pose to the state’s native plants and animals.

The Indiana Senate approved the bill Monday on a 49-0 vote. It was approved last month by Indiana House and now heads to Gov. Mike Pence for consideration.

Lawmakers created the Indiana Invasive Species Council to address the growing scourge of invasive species, including plants such as Japanese honeysuckle that crowd out native plants and reduce food for wildlife.

That 11-member council is set to disband in July, but the measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Jean Leising of Oldenburg would reauthorize it through July 1, 2023.

Leising says the council “will allow our state to effectively manage harmful species and prevent them from spreading.”