1. a. Within 180 days after the effective date of P.L.2017, c.295 (C. 13:1F-4.1), the department shall adopt, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations: (1) permitting beekeepers to register their honey or native beehives or beeyards with the department; and (2) requiring pesticide applicators to notify a registered beekeeper before making an outdoor application of a pesticide product that may be toxic to bees within three miles of a registered honey or native beehive or beeyard.

b. A beekeeper who wishes to receive the notice required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section shall register his beehives or beeyards with the department by March 1 each year.

c. The department shall adopt, by rule or regulation, specific requirements for the registration of beehives and beeyards and for the notification required pursuant to this section. The department may also provide for exceptions to the notification requirement.

L.2017, c.295, s.1.