Stec Bill to Combat Aquatic Invasive Species Passes Senate

Legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) to address and better combat aquatic invasive species statewide passed the Senate today. Senate bill S5836 enables town boards to further address and combat invasive aquatic invertebrate species, as they are currently only able to address invasive plants under state law.

The Assembly version of this bill, A5801, was sponsored by Assemblymember Carrie Woerner passed that chamber earlier this week. This legislation will now be sent to Governor Hochul for her signature.

“Stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species requires vigilance and ensuring our communities can adapt to take them on,” said Stec. “The legislation I sponsored and helped pass provides town boards with the flexibility to control invasive aquatic invertebrate species, such as Asian clams or Zebra mussels, that aren’t covered by current law. I’m pleased this bill has passed the Senate and Assembly and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

"I am pleased to have worked in a bi-partisan effort to secure the passage of this bill in both the Assembly and the Senate," said Assemblymember Carrie Woerner (D, Round Lake).  "By expanding the scope of Invasive Species Districts to include invertebrates, we give municipalities the tools they need to combat effectively the increase of all invasives.   I look forward to Governor Hochul signing the legislation into law."