Senate Approves Bill To Name Firefly State Insect

Indiana is one of just three states in the country without an official state insect. Legislation passed in the Senate Tuesday would change that.

The unanimously approved bill is the initiative of West Lafayette elementary school students. Their push to name the Say’s Firefly as Indiana’s state insect began three years ago.

Such legislation was squashed without a vote the last two sessions. But Gov. Eric Holcomb backed the effort this year and the bill flew through the Senate.

Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) says the most important reason to approve his bill is a civics lesson for Indiana’s students.

“Reassure the future generation of Hoosiers that government is here to work for them,” Alting says.

The bill now heads to the House. Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) says he has no issue with the measure, as long it doesn’t take time away from more important legislation.