SB 165
Clarifying Right to Farm Act relating to regulation of honey bees
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies the West Virginia Right to Farm Act, specifically regarding regulations for residential agricultural operations and honey bee management. It expands the definition of "honey bee pests" to include tropilaelaps mites. The bill also establishes a mechanism for dedicating fees collected from special license plates to highway beautification projects aimed at promoting pollinator habitats. It clarifies limitations on nuisance actions against agricultural operations, particularly regarding compliance with regulations and established operations.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘honey bee pests’ to include tropilaelaps mites.
- Creates a dedicated fund for highway beautification through fees collected from special license plates.
- Clarifies limitations on nuisance actions against agricultural operations, including a one-year operational period defense.
- Specifies requirements for the issuance of special registration plates, including fee collection and organization application processes.
- Addresses the issuance and renewal of special registration plates, including potential plate discontinuation criteria.
- Outlines the commissioner’s authority to establish rules related to bee management and apiary operations.
- Defines ‘agricultural residential land’ and clarifies its relationship to other land uses.
- Establishes a protected status for agricultural operations once acquired, including assignability and inherability.
Who is affected
- Beekeepers
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