COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
for
H. B. 4527
(By Delegates Morgan, C. Miller, Canterbury, Williams and
Campbell)
(Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary.]
[February 26, 2010]
A BILL to amend and reenact §19-13-4 of the Code of West Virginia,
1931, as amended, relating to limiting the liability of apiary
owners and operators.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That §19-13-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended,
be amended and reenacted to read as follows:
ARTICLE 13. INSPECTION AND PROTECTION OF AGRICULTURE.
§19-13-4. Registration of bees; identification of apiaries.
(a) All persons keeping bees in this state shall apply for a
certificate of registration for bee keeping from the commissioner,
within ten days of the date that bees are acquired, by notifying
the commissioner, in writing, of the number and location of
colonies they own or rent, or which they keep for someone else,
whether the bees are located on their own property or someone
else's property. All apiary certificates of registration expire on
December 31, of each year and must be renewed annually.
(b) All persons owning or operating an apiary which is not
located on their own property must post the name and address of the
owner or operator in a conspicuous place in the apiary.
(c) A person who:
(1) owns and operates an apiary;
(2) is registered with the Commissioner; and
(3)operates the apiary in good faith, in a reasonable manner
and in conformance with best management practices,
is not liable for any personal injury or property damage that
occurs in connection with the keeping and maintaining of bees, bee
equipment, queen breeding equipment, apiaries and appliances.