IdahoH 08262026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET

HONEY INDUSTRY – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding the Idaho Honey Commission.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Stronger honey inspections and penalties

Beginning July 1, 2026, inspectors can enter facilities or vehicles during business hours on a written complaint, sample retail honey, and copy records. Honey testing uses official or widely accepted methods, and the official sample guides adulteration decisions. The department can issue stop‑sale, use, or removal orders, with 30 days to fix the issue or get a written extension. It must send test results to the packer and the buyer or retailer, and provide part of the sample on request within 30 days. If problems continue, the department can seize or condemn products; owners can ask the court to release or relabel them. Civil penalties can be up to $10,000 per offense plus attorney’s fees, with notice, a hearing, and appeal rights.

Optional $10 registration for hobbyists

Beginning July 1, 2026, hobbyist beekeepers may choose to register with the commission and be on distribution lists by paying $10 each year. Registration is optional.

New Honey Commission leadership rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the commission includes the agriculture director and three beekeepers. Members must have lived in Idaho five years, be commercial registered beekeepers, be active in production, and earn substantial honey income or lead such a business. The industry association sends two nominees per vacancy by June 1, and the governor appoints one; the association’s executive committee may ask the governor to remove a member. Terms are three years, end June 30, and members serve until successors qualify; the commission meets at least once each fiscal year and members are paid per state law. The commission may elect a chair and, with approval, delegate work to an administrator. The law also defines key terms (like producer, packer, and official sample) so it is clear who and what the chapter covers.

Per-hive tax and deadlines for beekeepers

Beginning July 1, 2026, beekeepers pay $0.05 per hive each year. Hives are counted on July 1, and hobbyists are exempt. The department mails notice by June 1, and payment is due by July 1. Unpaid tax becomes a lien with priority on bees, equipment, honey, and related property. Hives brought into Idaho only for indoor winter storage are exempt if the owner registers the storage location, in/out dates, and owner plus in‑state contact info. Beekeepers can vote to change the fee between $0.03 and $0.10 at the industry’s annual meeting; only registered Idaho beekeepers who are not exempt may vote.

New honey standards and funding rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the commission sets honey quality, identity, and label rules and runs advertising, research (including bee research), and public education. It may hire universities or agencies to help. All program and enforcement costs are paid from the Idaho Honey Fund; the commission keeps records and publishes a cost report each year on October 1. The current IDAPA 02.06.16 honey rules are void after July 1, 2026. Sections 22‑2808, 22‑2811, and 22‑2815 are repealed. The act is in force on and after July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Camille Blaylock
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/25/2026

House Floor Vote