The bill amends and reenacts sections 19-13-1 and 19-13-3 of the Code of West Virginia to establish the West Virginia Apiary Act, which aims to clarify that apiaries are recognized as protected agricultural operations. The new legal language introduces findings that highlight the significant decline of pollinators, particularly honeybees, and emphasizes their critical role in supporting agricultural practices and food security in West Virginia. The bill asserts that beekeeping has a positive economic impact on the state and that the private maintenance of honeybee colonies is essential for increasing pollinator populations.

Additionally, the bill specifies that beekeeping and apiaries fall under the definition of agricultural operations as outlined in the existing code, and it designates the Commissioner of Agriculture as the regulatory authority for these practices. The changes reflect a legislative intent to support and protect beekeeping activities, recognizing their importance to both the economy and the environment in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Originating in Committee: 19-13-1, 19-13-3