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).
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:
SB 927 is correct 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:
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 927!
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 927 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 927 HERE
By keeping SB 927 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.