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2016 SESSION

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HB 535 Beekeepers; limited liability.

Introduced by: Richard P. Bell | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Limited liability for beekeepers. Provides that a beekeeper shall not be liable for any personal injury or property damage that occurs in connection with his keeping and maintaining of bees, bee equipment, queen breeding equipment, apiaries, or appliances if he follows best management practices established in regulations adopted by the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The immunity does not extend to intentional tortious conduct or acts of omissions that constitute gross negligence or negligence. The Board is directed to adopt initial regulations to be effective no later than November 1, 2016.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Limited liability for beekeepers. Provides that a beekeeper shall not be liable for any personal injury or property damage that occurs in connection with his keeping and maintaining of bees, bee equipment, queen breeding equipment, apiaries, and appliances if he registers his hives with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services and follows best management practices established in regulations adopted by the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The limitation on liability becomes effective 30 days after the apiary is registered and is valid for a year, with annual renewals available. The immunity does not extend to intentional tortious conduct or acts of omissions that constitute gross negligence. The Board is directed to adopt initial regulations to be effective no later than November 1, 2016, at which time the registration procedures would take effect.