The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 6233, aims to establish a state-wide control program for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that poses a threat to agriculture and the environment. The bill introduces a new fund of $250,000 that will allow municipalities to apply for grants of up to $5,000. These grants are intended to support various control efforts, including the use of tree bands and traps, approved insecticide applications, visual reconnaissance surveys, and egg mass scraping.

The primary goal of this legislation is to provide municipalities with the necessary resources to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of the spotted lanternfly. By facilitating funding for targeted control measures, the bill seeks to enhance local efforts in combating this invasive species and protecting the state's agricultural interests.