NE LB540

Creates the Nebraska Apiary Advisory Board, chaired by the Director of Agriculture, with members including commercial beekeepers, hobbyist/sideliner beekeepers, and beekeeping club members, plus an optional University of Nebraska entomology representative

Requires the Board to identify research gaps for improving managed and wild bee health, develop protection plans, and work with the Legislature to achieve sustainable bee populations

Mandates the Board of Regents create a full-time apiculture educator position in the UNL extension service to serve as a resource for hobbyist, sideliner, and commercial beekeepers

Directs the Board to examine state and federal bee population policies and recommend strategies for preventing and recovering from population losses, including assessing impacts on Nebraska food production systems

Adds "beekeeper" to statutory definitions and board members serve without compensation but receive expense reimbursement under sections 81-1174 to 81-1177