Bill > S06908

This bill enacts the Beekeeping Rights Act, which restricts homeowners' associations (HOAs) from prohibiting or unreasonably limiting beekeeping activities on properties they oversee. The bill defines key terms like "apiary" (bee habitat), "beekeeper", and "colony" by referencing existing agricultural law. Under the bill, HOAs cannot create rules that effectively prevent beekeepers from installing or maintaining apiaries for honey production, provided the beekeeper follows state agricultural regulations. The bill specifies that unreasonable limitations include restrictions that impair an apiary's efficiency or increase installation costs by more than 10%. HOAs must process apiary installation applications in a timely manner, providing written approval or denial within 60 days, with any denial requiring a detailed explanation. The bill mandates that apiaries must still comply with local, state, and federal health and safety standards. Importantly, if an individual successfully challenges an HOA's restriction through legal action, they would be awarded reasonable attorney's fees. The law will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving HOAs time to adjust their policies to comply with the new regulations.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6908