Episode 180 – The Pennsylvania Bee Law (Part 2) HB 1277: Plant and Pollinator Protection Act 🐝⚖️

This episode is a follow-up to last week’s discussion about Pennsylvania’s proposed bee legislation. We move from the 2024 Senate Bill 1198 to the newly filed 2025 House Bill 1277, breaking down what changed, why it matters, and how the bill expands the state’s authority over beekeepers.

What’s Inside This Episode:

What happened to the 2024 Senate Bill and why it expiredHow HB 1277 was reintroduced with stronger enforcement languageExpanded licensing that now includes hobbyist beekeepersWhat “risk-based inspections” really mean and why they are undefinedThe department’s new powers to enter property and destroy hivesHow fines, fees, and licensing revenue now fund enforcement directlyWhy “exclusive jurisdiction” language limits local flexibilityWhat small-scale beekeepers can do before this moves forward

Why Listen to This Episode?

You’ll get a clear explanation of how Pennsylvania’s new bill evolved, what it means for local beekeepers, and why it could set the tone for future pollinator legislation across the country.

More Info:

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About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5 % podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

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