SB389 - No further action allowed!
Thank you for responding to efforts to combat SB 389! Beekeepers and supporters of pollinators showed up in force to oppose this unfortunate proposal. An excellent example of democracy in action unfolded. SB 389 is "dead in its tracks"!
With so many signed up to testify on Thursday, citizens were limited to two minutes. Initial testimonies were all from the three local Beekeeping organizations. Master beekeepers Jacki, Lynda, and Del from GBBN led the testimonies and were followed by Debbie from Mason Valley Beekeepers and Jon who is a member of all three local Nevada organizations. A Henderson city representative and the accused beekeeper testified by video conference in opposition. At this point, this bill has not move forward. It is dead. The bottom line message here is that citizens, local beekeepers and beekeeping organizations banded together to block over reaching state control and criminalizing beekeepers.
This article in the Las Vegas Review Journal presents an excellent summary of the events surrounding SB 3890. https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/2019-legislature/bill-to-ban-beekeeping-in-las-vegas-valley-blasted-in-legislature-1633798/
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Thank you all for taking part in helping us to stop this destructive Senate Bill. SB389 is no longer a threat to Nevada's Beekeepers. Please be vigilant and keep an eye out to future chanced to Nevada's Beekeeping laws. If you hear or see changes coming down the pike please reach out to all the beekeeping groups and beekeepers you know so that we can mobilize a united front. Well done everyone.
The bill is now dead. No further action is allowed.
https://legiscan.com/NV/bill/SB389/2019
HOW TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST NEVADA SB389
Nevada Senate Bill No. 389 (www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/80th2019/Bills/SB/SB389.pdf) is a proposed revision to NRS 552 that would make it unlawful for anyone in the State of Nevada to own or possess an apiary if they live in any urban or suburban area with greater than two residential units per acre. This modification to existing regulations will become effective on July 1, 2019.
FIRST – Make your position regarding SB389 known to the public legislators:
· Sign up for the Personalized Legislative Tracking (PLT) which allows you to track bills and budgets that are of interest to you: www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/80th2019/Plt Option 4 is free and allows tracking of a maximum of 10 BDRs, bills and budgets; however, you must sign in to check the status daily. The following link will get you there: www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Authenticate/Account/Register?returnURL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.leg.state.nv.us%2fApp%2fNELIS%2fREL%2f80th2019%2fPlt
· Give your opinion about SB389 directly to the legislators at the following link. It is not necessary to write anything, just click “AGAINST”: www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Opinions/80th2019/?fbclid=IwAR1Od0r6NgbLTd02NRgtwC_Fx9pXTVLBiijH8bIH5YL1OiiAoo7AEW-jGpA
SECOND – Prepare and present factual, informative arguments against State control of local apiaries.
· Send arguments to legislators considering the new legislation – letters are most effective, emails are least effective as legislators tend to be bombarded by emails.
· Make public comments or presentations at scheduled hearings or have personal meetings with legislators – both are very effective.
· Post comments on public forums or send letters to editors.
Points to consider when preparing arguments:
1. Existing local regulations already in place.
2. Local oversight tends to be more pertinent and effective.
3. Beekeepers provide free public services such as catching swarms and public presentations.
4. Benefits that honey bees and pollinators provide to food crops.
5. What is the rationale for state wide control over local apiaries?
6. Proposed amendment is vague in its definition of “area” for apiary location.
THIRD – Spread the Word! - Talk! Email! Blog! Facebook! Telephone!
· Communicate with everyone you know emphasizing rational and factual arguments against State control of local apiaries. Emails and daily conversations can create a ground swell of public concern.
· Focus on all those citizens and businesses who have supported our organization in the past. Their willingness to purchase raffle tickets and make donations means they will most likely provide support against this damaging legislation.
· Identify key legislators to meet with on an individual basis.
FINALLY – Take an active role
· Commit to attending scheduled hearings. Large numbers demonstrate voter concern.
· Selects spokespeople to represent your organization and speak at hearings.