SB 927
Clarifying Commissioner of Agriculture's authority to regulate bees
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies the authority of the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture to regulate bees, bee equipment, and apiaries. It establishes legislative findings highlighting the importance of pollinators for the state’s economy and food security. The bill defines key terms related to beekeeping and apiaries, specifically outlining the commissioner’s exclusive regulatory power and establishing procedures for addressing infected bees and equipment. It also includes provisions to protect agricultural land from nuisance lawsuits, particularly concerning agricultural operations.
Key provisions
- Establishes legislative findings regarding the importance of pollinators and beekeeping to West Virginia’s economy.
- Defines key terms related to bees, apiaries, and beekeeping equipment.
- Grants the Commissioner exclusive authority to regulate bees, bee equipment, and apiaries.
- Outlines procedures for seizing and destroying infected bees and equipment.
- Protects agricultural land owners from nuisance lawsuits related to agricultural operations, with exceptions for demonstrable damage.
- Specifies conditions under which an agricultural operation is not considered a nuisance after one year of operation.
- Addresses reasonable expansion of agricultural operations and their impact on environmental and public health.
- Clarifies that municipalities do not apply to agricultural operations outside their boundaries.
Who is affected
- Beekeepers
- Agricultural Landowners
- Department of Agriculture
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