Support The Bee Bill – Support Beekeepers
2026 Legislative Session (Bill number pending)
What is The Bee Bill?
We’re introducing a new statewide beekeeping rights bill in the first 2026 Regular Session! The Bee Bill is designed to protect and support beekeeping in West Virginia by ensuring that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) remains the sole authority over apiary regulations. This bill prevents cities, towns, and counties from banning or restricting beekeeping and strengthens legal protections for beekeepers. This measure replaces our two previous bills, and will be filed simultaneously in the House and the Senate to build momentum and improve traction.
Why The Bee Bill Matters
Honey bees are essential pollinators, supporting West Virginia’s farms, gardens, and ecosystems. Beekeeping is a vital agricultural practice that enhances biodiversity, strengthens food security, and contributes to the local economy.
Without The Bee Bill, inconsistent municipal regulations could threaten beekeeping by allowing local governments to impose unnecessary restrictions or outright bans.
If passed, The Bee Bill would:
✅ Prevent Local Bans on Beekeeping – Cities, towns, and counties would no longer be able to regulate or prohibit beekeeping. Similar laws exist in states like Florida, Tennessee, and Indiana.
✅ Eliminate Unnecessary Licensing – Local governments could not require beekeepers to obtain special licenses or permits to keep honey bees.
✅ Strengthen Legal Protections for Beekeepers – The bill raises the legal standard for nuisance complaints against beekeepers, making it harder for frivolous lawsuits to disrupt responsible apiary management.
✅ Further defines Honey Bee Pest – adds the Tropilaelaps Mite to the specific definition of Honey Bee Pest
✅ Earmark funds from Pollinator Plates – Designate use of funds from the purchase of Pollinator Plates for projects related to pollinators.
How You Can Help:
Make Your Voice Heard! Tell your legislators to sponsor and support The Bee Bill to protect beekeeping in West Virginia.
1️⃣ Find Your Legislators – Use the WV Legislature’s website to locate your representatives:
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/roster.cfm
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Senate1/roster.cfm
2️⃣ Send a Message – Call or email your legislators to express your support for The Bee Bill. A simple message makes a big impact! Click here for a pre-generated email to send on!
3️⃣ Share This Page – Help spread the word by sharing this with fellow beekeepers, farmers, and community members.
Learn More
Read the full bill here:
By supporting The Bee Bill, we can protect beekeeping rights, ensure responsible regulation, and sustain West Virginia’s agriculture for future generations.
Act Now – Your Support is Crucial!