This bill aims to amend and clarify various sections of the Code of West Virginia related to agricultural operations, particularly focusing on the Right to Farm Act. It introduces new definitions and provisions concerning residential agricultural lands, agritourism, urban agriculture, and beekeeping. Notably, it establishes a new section, 19-19-2a, which outlines specific regulations for urban beekeeping, including hive placement, registration requirements, water source provisions, and swarm management. The bill also emphasizes that existing homeowners association bylaws restricting beekeeping are not overridden by this legislation.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to enhance the protection of agricultural operations from nuisance claims and other legal actions. It specifies that agricultural operations, including those on agricultural residential land, are not to be considered adverse to neighboring land uses, provided they comply with applicable laws. The bill also stipulates that municipalities cannot prohibit urban agriculture or apiaries, and enforcement of related regulations will be managed by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Overall, the legislation seeks to promote agricultural practices while ensuring the protection of agricultural interests in urban settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-13-3, 19-19-1, 19-19-2, 19-19-4, 19-19-7, 19-19-2a