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SB 2343

A BILL for an Act to create and enact section 4.1-16-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the placement or location of a beehive; and to provide a penalty.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Collette Brown and 2 co-sponsors

Beekeepers must place hives at least 0.5 miles from state or federal highways; violations trigger 48-hour removal and possible confiscation, with costs charged to the beekeeper.

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 4 nays 43
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Bill Summary · SB 2343

Summary — SB 2343 (North Dakota) — Placement or location of a hive; penalty

Status: Failed on second reading (yeas 4, nays 43). Introduced March 12, 2025. Creates ND Century Code section 4.1‑16‑08.1.

Purpose

To restrict where beehives may be placed relative to major roadways in the state and to authorize the Agriculture Commissioner to enforce removals and seize hives and equipment when violations occur.

Key provisions

  • Creates NDCC 4.1‑16‑08.1 — “Placement or location of a hive — Limitation.”
  • Prohibition: A beekeeper may not place or locate a hive within one‑half mile (0.80 km) of the nearest edge of any state highway (chapter 24‑01) or any federal highway within North Dakota.
  • Complaint and verification process:
    • If the Agriculture Commissioner receives a complaint alleging a violation, the commissioner must note the date/time and verify whether the hive placement violates the one‑half‑mile rule.
    • If a violation is confirmed, the commissioner must contact the beekeeper (if known) and direct removal of all colonies, hives and hive contents, and beekeeping equipment within 48 hours of contact.
  • Enforcement and confiscation:
    • If the beekeeper fails to remove the items within 48 hours or is unknown, the commissioner must confiscate all colonies, hives and contents, and beekeeping equipment found at the site.
    • Confiscated items must be disposed of pursuant to a court order or an administrative order issued by the commissioner.
  • Costs: Any costs the Agriculture Commissioner incurs enforcing the section are the responsibility of the beekeeper.

Who is affected

  • Primary: beekeepers in North Dakota who keep hives near state or federal highways (within 0.5 mile).
  • Secondary: Agriculture Department staff (enforcement, inspection, storage/disposal logistics) and local communities concerned about roadside safety or pollinator management.

Penalty and remedies

  • The statute provides for administrative confiscation and disposal of hives and equipment and assigns enforcement costs to the beekeeper. No specific monetary fines or criminal penalties are specified in the text; disposal requires a court or administrative order.

Procedural/timing notes

  • Bill would create a new statutory section (4.1‑16‑08.1) if enacted.
  • Requires action by the Agriculture Commissioner only upon receipt of a complaint and after verification.
  • As introduced, the bill does not specify exceptions, permitting processes, or appeals procedures beyond court/administrative orders for disposal.

Potential implications/notes

  • Would force relocation of hives sited within 0.5 mile of major roads or risk confiscation and forfeiture.
  • Costs of compliance/relocation could fall on small or hobby beekeepers as well as commercial operators.
  • The statute’s enforcement mechanism centers on complaint‑driven action; it does not detail notice/appeal timelines beyond the 48‑hour removal window.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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