HB 552 Summary

• Amends Section 2-14-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish a specific fine of $100 per hive for moving honeybees into Alabama on comb without a Department of Agriculture and Industries certificate of inspection.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture and Industries to notify hive owners to remove non-compliant hives within seven days, with authority to destroy hives if not removed within that timeframe.

• Exempts honeybees brought into the state pursuant to a compliance agreement with the Department of Agriculture and Industries from these penalties and destruction provisions.

• Allows judges to award up to one-half of fine proceeds as a reward to persons providing information leading to conviction of violations.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.