Support The Bee Bill – Support Beekeepers

2026 Legislative Session

What Is The Bee Bill?

The Bee Bill is a statewide beekeeping rights bill that has already been introduced during the 2026 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature.

The legislation originated as a single effort to protect beekeeping in West Virginia by ensuring that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) remains the sole authority over apiary regulation. The intent of The Bee Bill is to prevent cities, towns, and counties from banning or restricting beekeeping and to preserve consistent, statewide oversight.

That effort resulted in Senate Bill 927 (SB927). A corresponding House bill, HB 4498, was introduced but includes substantive changes that do not reflect the WVBA’s original intent.

2026 Legislative Status & WVBA Official Position

Following a detailed review of all beekeeping-related legislation, the West Virginia Beekeepers Association (WVBA) has established the following official position:

  • Subsection (e) in SB 927 is correct as currently written

  • HB 4498 must be amended to match SB 927 exactly, or a new matching House Bill must be introduced

  • WVBA cannot support HB 4498 as currently written

The Core Protection: §19-13-3 Subsection (e)

Subsection (e) is essential to protecting beekeepers in West Virginia.

e) The commissioner shall have exclusive authority to register, permit, inspect, sample, and otherwise regulate the keeping and maintaining of bees, bee equipment, and apiaries in this state as provided in this article. No county, municipality, or other political subdivision may, whether by ordinance, charter, resolution, administrative act, or otherwise, enact, adopt, implement, or enforce any ordinance, regulation, or rule which relates to the registration, permitting, inspection, placement, location, or management of apiaries or which otherwise conflicts with the powers and duties of the commissioner or with rules promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to this article. Any such ordinance, regulation, or rule is preempted by the provisions of this article.

This language ensures:

  • Uniform statewide apiary regulation

  • Protection from local bans and conflicting ordinances

  • Preservation of existing beekeeper rights

  • Clear authority for inspection, enforcement, and disease control

Clarification on Other Beekeeping-Related Bills

The WVBA is aware of the following additional beekeeping & pollinator-related legislation:

HB4076 and SB44.

These bills did not originate with the WVBA and were not requested or endorsed by our association. As written, we believe they have the potential to de-regulate beekeeping and create uncertainty for beekeepers, agriculture, and regulatory agencies statewide.

For these reasons, the WVBA does not support HB 4076 or SB 44.

SB165, HB4498, and HB4632

While we appreciate the intent behind these bills, none fully reflect the statutory clarity and statewide consistency the WVBA is seeking. As written, they do not completely achieve our primary goals of maintaining clear authority under the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and preventing conflicting local regulation.

For that reason, the WVBA does not support SB165, HB4498, and HB4632 in their current forms, but remains open to collaboration and amendments that would better align with the needs of West Virginia beekeepers. Ultimately we would like to see HB4498 or HB4632 amended to match SB927.

HB5439

While not a bill directly relating to beekeeping, this bill suggest the creation of the Pollinator Protection Act in order to promote the health of and mitigate risks to all pollinator species in West Virginia. The WVBA supports this bill and hopes to see it passed.

Why The Bee Bill Matters

Honey bees are essential pollinators supporting West Virginia’s farms, gardens, and ecosystems. Beekeeping is a critical agricultural practice that strengthens biodiversity, food security, and the local economy.

Without clear statewide authority, inconsistent local ordinances could threaten beekeeping by allowing municipalities to impose unnecessary restrictions or outright bans.

How You Can Help

Ask legislators to support SB 165 as a clean bill — with subsection (e) retained and all other changes removed.

1️⃣ Find Your Legislators
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/roster.cfm
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Senate1/roster.cfm

2️⃣ Contact Them
Call or email your legislators and request support for SB 165 in its clean form, with subsection (e) intact.

3️⃣ Share Accurate Information
Help ensure beekeepers and supporters understand which bill the WVBA supports — and under what conditions.

Learn More

📄 Read the full text of SB 165 HERE

By keeping SB 165 clean and focused, we can protect beekeeper rights, preserve consistent regulation, and support agriculture across West Virginia.

Thank you for standing with West Virginia beekeepers.

Learn More About West Virginia Beekeeping here