HB 4498
Relating to clarifying the Right to Farm Act relating to residential agricultural operations and the protection of agriculture through Urban Beekeeping
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies the Right to Farm Act in West Virginia, specifically addressing residential agricultural operations and urban beekeeping. It aims to protect agriculture through urban horticulture and beekeeping by establishing rules for apiaries, defining related terms, and outlining limitations on nuisance actions. The bill also provides specific regulations for urban beekeeping, including hive placement, registration requirements, and water source provisions.
Key provisions
- Establishes rules for apiary management and regulation by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
- Defines ‘agricultural residential land’ and sets specific requirements for urban agriculture apiaries, including hive placement and a flyaway barrier.
- Requires registration and permits for urban beekeepers, with visible registration numbers.
- Mandates a dedicated water source for hives to prevent bee foraging on neighboring properties.
- Provides a one-year protection period from nuisance actions for established agricultural operations.
- Clarifies that existing Homeowners Association bylaws restricting beekeeping are not superseded.
- Outlines specific conditions under which an agricultural operation can be exempt from nuisance claims.
- Establishes a process for fines and penalties related to beekeeping violations.
Who is affected
- Beekeepers
- Homeowners
- Agricultural Producers
- Municipalities
- West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours