Bill > SB927

This bill, titled the "West Virginia Apiary Act," aims to clarify and strengthen the Commissioner of Agriculture's authority to regulate bees, bee equipment, and apiaries (places where bees are kept) across the state, recognizing the critical role of pollinators like honey bees in West Virginia's economy and food security. It explicitly grants the Commissioner exclusive authority to register, permit, inspect, and otherwise regulate beekeeping activities, preempting any conflicting local ordinances or rules. The bill also updates definitions for terms like "apiary," "bee equipment," and "honey bee pest" to include new threats and clarifies the Commissioner's powers to control and eradicate bee pests, including the seizure of infected bees and equipment. Additionally, it refines existing provisions that limit legal actions against agricultural operations, ensuring that established farming practices, including beekeeping, are protected from nuisance claims unless there is clear evidence of actual physical damage or violation of laws.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=927&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill