reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-109 - General and special meetings - Calling - Notice

(a)
In its bylaws, each association shall provide for one (1) or more regular meetings each year.
(b)
The board of directors shall have the right to call a special meeting at any time; and ten percent (10%) of the members may file a petition stating the specific business to be brought before the association and demand a special meeting at any time.
(c)
Such meetings must thereupon be called by the directors. Notice of all meetings, together with a statement of the purposes thereof, shall be mailed to each member at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting; provided, that the bylaws may require instead that such notice may be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation, published at the principal place of business of the association.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 9; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.10 (Williams, § 3830.11); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2109.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-110 - Directors - Election - Compensation - Vacancies

(a)
The affairs of the association shall be managed by a board of not less than five (5) directors elected by the members from their own number. The bylaws may provide that one (1) or more additional directors may be appointed by any public official or commission or by the other directors selected by the members or their delegates. The additional directors shall represent primarily the interest of the general public in such associations. The directors so appointed need not be members of the association, but shall have the same powers and rights as other directors. These directors shall not number more than one fifth (1/5) of the entire number of directors.
(b)
An association may provide a fair remuneration for the time actually spent by its officers and directors in its service and for the service of the members of its executive committee.
(c)
The bylaws may provide that no director shall occupy any position in the association, except that of president and secretary at a regular salary or substantially full-time pay.
(d)
The bylaws may provide for an executive committee and may allot to the committee all the functions and powers of the board, subject to the general direction and control of the board.
(e)
When a vacancy on the board occurs other than by expiration of term, the remaining members of the board, by a majority vote, shall fill the vacancy.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 10; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.11 (Williams, § 3830.12); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2110.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-111 - Election of officers

The directors shall elect from their number a president and one (1) or more vice presidents. They shall also elect a secretary and a treasurer, who need not be directors or members of the association; and they may combine the two (2) latter offices and designate the combined office as secretary-treasurer, or unite both functions and titles in one person. The treasurer may be a bank or any depository, and as such, shall not be considered as an officer, but as an agency of the board. In such case, the secretary shall perform the usual accounting duties of the treasurer, except that the funds shall be deposited only as and where authorized by the board.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 11; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.12 (Williams, § 3830.13); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2111.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-112 - Bonding officers, employees, and agents

Every officer, employee and agent handling funds or negotiable instruments or property of or for any association created under this chapter shall be required to execute and deliver a bond for the faithful performance of that person's duties and obligations.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 12; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.13 (Williams, § 3830.14); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2112.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-113 - Membership certification - Issuance - Voting - Liability

(a)
When a member of an association has paid the membership fee in full, and has also paid the prescribed protective fees, the member shall receive a certificate of membership. The promissory notes of the members may be accepted by the association as full or partial payment of fees.
(b)
No member shall be liable for the debts of the association to an amount exceeding the sum remaining unpaid on the membership fee or the prescribed protective fees, including any unpaid balance on any promissory notes given in payment of such fees.
(c)
No member shall be entitled to more than one (1) vote, regardless of the number of sheep owned by such member.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 13; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.14 (Williams, § 3830.15); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-114 - Removal of officer or director

Any member may bring charges against an officer or director by filing them in writing with the secretary of the association, together with a petition signed by five percent (5%) of the members, requesting the removal of the officer or director in question. The removal shall be voted upon at the next regular or special meeting of the association and, by a vote of a majority of the members, the association may remove the officer or director and fill the vacancy. The officer or director, against whom such charges have been brought, shall be informed in writing of the charges previous to the meeting and shall have an opportunity at the meeting to be heard in person or by counsel and to present witnesses; and the person or persons bringing the charges against the officer or director shall have the same opportunity.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 14; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.15 (Williams, § 3830.16); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2114.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-115 - Annual reports

Each association formed under this chapter shall prepare and make out an annual report on forms to be furnished by the commissioner of commerce and insurance, containing:
(1)
The name of the association;
(2)
Its principal place of business;
(3)
A general statement of its business operations during the fiscal year, showing the number of members, amount of membership fees received, and the amount of prescribed protective fees received;
(4)
The total expenses of operations;
(5)
The amount of its indebtedness or liability;
(6)
Its balance sheets; and
(7)
Such other information as may be required by the commissioner.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 15; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.16 (Williams, § 3830.17); impl. am. Acts 1971, ch. 137, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2115.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-116 - Conflicting laws not to apply

Any provisions of law that are in conflict with this chapter shall be construed as not applying to the associations provided for in this chapter.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 16; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.17 (Williams, § 3830.18); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2116.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-117 - Application of general corporation laws

(a)
The general corporation laws of this state, and the powers and rights under those laws, shall apply to the associations organized under this chapter, except where those provisions are in conflict with or inconsistent with the express provisions of this chapter.
(b)
None of the provisions of the general insurance laws of the state shall apply to any association or corporation organized under this chapter, except that the department of commerce and insurance shall act in a supervisory capacity and shall be authorized to make an inspection and investigation of the associations' or corporations' books and activities, and may require any reports from the associations or corporations that, in the judgment of the commissioner, are deemed to the best interest of the public.
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 18; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.18 (Williams, § 3830.20); impl. am. Acts 1971, ch. 137, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2117.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 14 - SHEEP PRODUCERS' INDEMNITY LAW (§§ 44-14-101 — 44-14-118) › Section 44-14-118 - Filing fees

For filing articles of incorporation an association organized under this chapter shall pay five dollars ($5.00); and for filing an amendment to the articles, two dollars ($2.00).
Acts 1939, ch. 184, § 19; C. Supp. 1950, § 3830.19 (Williams, § 3830.21); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-2118.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-101 - Title - Purpose

(a)
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Apiary Act of 1995."
(b)
Honeybees are kept in beehives by beekeepers throughout the state, and many colonies of feral honeybees have established nests in hollow trees and in walls of buildings. These honeybees perform a pollination function that is essential to the propagation of many species of flowering plants in Tennessee. These flowering plants include many agricultural crops, wildflowers, and forest plants that are of great importance to all Tennesseans, and the honeybees are the major pollinator for most of these plants. Therefore, the state should take appropriate actions to help assure the continued availability of an adequate population of honeybee pollinators. Honeybees, like other animal species, are afflicted by a variety of contagious diseases and pests that can cause serious population reductions. The natural behavior of honeybees cause them to be interactive with bees from other colonies and therefore vulnerable to transmission of some diseases and pests. Therefore, persons involved in the keeping of bees in a given area can engage in beekeeping practices that will have a real and direct impact on the honeybees and beekeeping in surrounding areas. This chapter enables and provides for the development of regulatory programs for beekeeping activities in the state as may be needed to help protect honeybees from diseases, pests, and other threats that could seriously reduce the availability of the honeybee pollinators.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 2; T.C.A. § 44-15-201.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-103 - State apiarist

(a)
(1)
The commissioner shall appoint a state apiarist, subject to any applicable rules or qualifications established by the department of human resources. The state apiarist is responsible for the apiary work of the department of agriculture and, with the necessary assistants, is charged with the duty of enforcing this chapter. The person designated as state apiarist shall have, as a minimum, a college degree in one (1) of the biological sciences and a minimum of five (5) years apiary experience.
(2)
The state apiarist is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the apiary program needed to satisfy the objectives and provisions of this chapter, and shall have the duty of enforcing those rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
The commissioner may appoint, in accordance with any applicable personnel rules and regulations, such assistants, apiary inspectors, and other employees as may be required, and to prescribe their duties; to delegate to apiary inspectors and other employees such powers and authority as may be deemed proper within the limits of the power and authority conferred upon the commissioner by this chapter.
(c)
The state apiarist and the apiary inspectors may provide educational literature and may conduct training programs for beekeeping on topics related to prevention, detection, and control of bee diseases and pests and other topics that will help beekeepers maintain needed populations of honeybees. The literature and training programs may be developed and conducted in cooperation with the extension apiculturist at the University of Tennessee.
(d)
The state apiarist and all apiary inspectors may own colonies of bees and engage in beekeeping activities on their own time, and their beekeeping activities will be subject to the same rules and regulations as applied to all other beekeepers. The department shall not prohibit such activities but may develop guidelines to avoid interference with work responsibilities and to prevent conflicts of interest.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 4; T.C.A. § 44-15-203.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-104 - Cooperative agreements

The commissioner is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements and/or grants with any person, municipality, county and other departments of this state, and boards, officials and authorities of other states and the United States for inspection with reference to infectious and contagious diseases and regulated pests of honeybees, and for their control and eradication.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 5; T.C.A. § 44-15-204.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-105 - Registration of apiaries

(a)
Every beekeeper owning one (1) or more colonies of bees shall register each apiary location by January 1, 1996, and every three (3) years thereafter. Upon establishment of a new apiary location, it is the duty of the owners or operators of the apiary to register the new locations within thirty (30) days. Any person, firm, or corporation moving bees into the state shall register all apiary locations within thirty (30) days from the date of the establishment of each apiary.
(b)
If an unregistered apiary is found, the state apiarist or any apiary inspector shall make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of the bees and notify the beekeeper by means of a registered letter of the registration requirements and the consequences of noncompliance.
(c)
The state apiarist shall issue to each beekeeper with one (1) or more registered apiaries a unique registration number that will be used for apiary identification purposes.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 6; T.C.A. § 44-15-205.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-106 - Moveable frames

Each beekeeper is required to provide moveable frames in all hives used by that beekeeper to contain bees, so that any such frame can be removed from the hive and inspected for any regulated diseases and pests. Any beekeeper having a colony of bees living in any beehive or other container that does not have moveable frames may be ordered by the state apiarist to transfer the bees into a hive with moveable frames within a specified period of time. If the beekeeper does not make the transfer within the specified time period, the state apiarist shall have the authority to confiscate the bees and hive or hives.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 7; T.C.A. § 44-15-206.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-107 - Inspection program

The state apiarist, assisted by the apiary inspectors identified in this chapter, has the authority and responsibility to establish and implement a program for inspection of apiaries throughout the state for the purpose of detecting regulated bee diseases and pests and for implementing control measures as needed to minimize the adverse impacts of those diseases and pests on the honeybee population in the state. The apiary inspection program will be conducted in accordance with standard procedures that are developed by the state apiarist. The state apiarist may require or supervise the treatment, destruction, or disposition of diseased bees or contaminated bee equipment or bee supplies in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated under the authority of this chapter. Any apiary inspector duly authorized by the state apiarist has the authority to go upon any public or private property for the purpose of conducting an inspection of an apiary located on that property. The inspector shall make a reasonable effort to notify the beekeeper of a planned inspection prior to the actual inspection.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 8; 1999, ch. 192, § 1; T.C.A. § 44-15-207.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-108 - Sale or movement of bees

(a)
No bees may be sold, offered for sale, moved, or transported, shipped or delivered within the state, unless they have been inspected by an appropriate official of the state and certified to be apparently free of infectious or contagious regulated bee diseases and pests in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter.
(b)
All persons desiring to move bees, hives, slumgums, used beekeeping equipment or appliances into the state must apply to the department for a permit. The application shall be accompanied by a certificate of health certifying that all bees, hives, slumgums, used beekeeping equipment or appliances have been inspected by an authorized official within thirty (30) days prior to transportation into Tennessee, and that the bees, hives, slumgums, used beekeeping equipment or appliances were found apparently free from any regulated diseases or pest.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 9; T.C.A. § 44-15-208.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-109 - Duty to report disease or pest - Authority to inspect

(a)
If a beekeeper knows that a colony of bees has a regulated bee disease or pest, the beekeeper shall immediately report to a state apiary inspector all facts known about the bee's disease or bee's pests.
(b)
If any apiary inspector has substantial reason to believe that a feral colony of bees may be harboring any regulated bee disease or pest, the inspector has the authority to enter onto any property, public or private, to locate and examine that feral colony of bees. The examination of a feral colony and any subsequent regulatory activity must be conducted in accordance with rules established by the department.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 10; T.C.A. § 44-15-209.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-110 - Quarantine - Unlawful to expose free-flying honeybees to disease, pest, or any substance known to kill bees

(a)
The state apiarist and the duly authorized apiary inspectors have the power and authority to declare a quarantine on any apiary found to be infected/infested with any regulated bee diseases or pests. Immediately after the apiary is declared to be infected/infested, a quarantine notice will be presented to the beekeeper and will include specific instructions as to required actions by the beekeeper. The appliances directly associated with that apiary shall be under quarantine and shall be subject to regulatory actions imposed by the department. The commissioner may declare a geographical area quarantine against any county, group of counties, region, or state where a regulated bee disease or pest is found in a sufficient number of apiaries that the infestation can be considered endemic. However, bees may not be moved from the quarantine area except by permission from the state apiarist or an apiary inspector.
(b)
It is unlawful for any person in the state to participate in or conduct a deliberate act that exposes free-flying honeybees to a known source of any regulated bee disease or pest or to any substance commonly known to kill bees. This section does not apply to farmers, gardeners, or others who are using legally registered pesticides in strict compliance with the label instructions. The deliberate acts that are prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1)
Placing in a location that is accessible to free-flying honeybees any beeswax combs, beekeeping equipment, honey, or other substance known to be attractive to honeybees and capable of transmitting bee diseases or pests and known to have been in contact with or associated with sources of regulated bee diseases or pests;
(2)
Placing in a location that is accessible to free-flying honeybees any honey, sugar syrup, corn syrup, or other substance known to be attractive to bees and to which some pesticide or other substance harmful to honeybees has been added; or
(3)
Producing, making, releasing, or otherwise causing any spray, smoke, fog, dust, or other substances to enter a beehive for the purpose of killing the bees therein except as requested by the owner of the bees or as required by a state regulatory order.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 11; T.C.A. § 44-15-210.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-111 - Certification program

(a)
The department may authorize establishment of a certification program whereby beekeepers who successfully complete the requirements of the program will be certified to have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to effectively detect, identify, and control regulated bee diseases and pests. The state apiarist will develop and administer any regulatory certification program that is established.
(b)
The beekeeper certification program shall be a voluntary program, and any applicant must successfully complete the program requirements to become a certified beekeeper. Each person who becomes certified will be granted certain privileges with regard to regulatory requirements promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 12; T.C.A. § 44-15-211.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-112 - Used beekeeping equipment

No person shall sell or give to any other person any used beekeeping equipment until the equipment has been sanitized by a method approved by the state apiarist. This requirement will not apply to equipment that is occupied by live bees.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 13; T.C.A. § 44-15-212.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-113 - Entry permit - Inspection certificates

(a)
Any person wanting to move live bees in beehives or empty brood combs (combs that have been used for rearing bee brood) into the state must apply to the department for an entry permit. The application shall be accompanied by a certificate of health from the originating state's regulatory agency certifying that all bees and beehives and used brood combs have been inspected by an authorized official thirty (30) days prior to transportation into Tennessee. The certificate of health must show what diseases and pests were found as a result of the inspection. The state apiarist shall review the application and the health certificate and will determine whether or not an entry permit shall be granted and what conditions or requirements must be met prior to entry.
(b)
Any person, firm or corporation transporting colonies or used beekeeping equipment into, within, or through the state must secure the hives and equipment in such a manner as to prevent the escape of bees.
(c)
The state apiarist and all apiary inspectors shall be empowered to intercept any person or persons transporting colonies or appliances to determine if the person or persons have the required inspection certificates.
(d)
Colonies, beehives, slumgums, used bee equipment or appliances brought into this state in violation of this chapter or any applicable rules and regulations of the department shall be removed by the owner from this state and returned to their state of origin within five (5) days after notification by the department. Failure to comply may result in confiscation as provided in §
44-15-117
without any remuneration to the owner.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 14; T.C.A. § 44-15-213.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-114 - Penalty

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter or the rules and regulations made under this chapter, or of any order or notice given pursuant thereto, or who shall forge, counterfeit, destroy, or wrongfully or fraudulently use, any certificate, permit, notice or other like document provided or who impedes, hinders or otherwise prevents, or attempts to prevent, the commissioner or the commissioner's duly authorized agent from performing the official's duty in connection with this chapter, may, in a lawful proceeding pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, be assessed a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 15; T.C.A. § 44-15-214.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-115 - Disposition of funds

All fees, fines, and proceeds resulting from the sale of seized properties collected under this chapter shall be paid into the general fund and the same are appropriated exclusively to the department to be used in carrying out this chapter.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 16; T.C.A. § 44-15-215.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-116 - Experimental apiaries

The state apiarist is empowered to establish or to authorize establishment of apiaries for experimental purposes associated with research on or evaluation of conditions related to any bee disease or pest.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 17; T.C.A. § 44-15-216.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-117 - Disposition of confiscated bees and beehives

All bees and beehives confiscated by the state apiarist as allowed by this chapter shall be destroyed by burning if the state apiarist determines that the confiscated property is infested with a regulated disease or pest to such an extent that it presents a significant and unacceptable threat to bees in the surrounding area. The state apiarist is allowed to use or to authorize use of confiscated property for experimental purposes. Otherwise the property may be donated to any college or university within the state that requests the property for research or educational purposes or disposed of at the discretion of the commissioner.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 18; T.C.A. § 44-15-217.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-118 - Preventive measures

After inspection of infected/infested bees or fixtures, or handling diseased bees, the state apiarist or assistants, before leaving the premises on which disease is found, or proceeding to any other apiary, shall take such measures as to prevent the spread of the disease or pests by infected/infested material adhering to that person's or persons' body or clothing, or any tools or appliances used by the state apiarist or any assistants that have come in contact with infected/infested materials.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 19; T.C.A. § 44-15-218.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-119 - Unlawful activities

It is unlawful for any person to knowingly give false or misleading information in any matter pertaining to the enforcement of this chapter, or to resist, impede, or hinder the state apiarist or any duly authorized apiary inspector in the discharge of duties as described in this chapter.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 20; T.C.A. § 44-15-219.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-120 - Honey storage and handling

(a)
Honey can be contaminated with certain organisms that can cause disease in honeybees. Therefore, honey containers and beekeeping equipment that are wet with honey shall be stored, transported, and handled in such a way that free-flying honeybees will not be able to gain access to that honey.
(b)
No candy or other food containing honey shall be used in queen mailing cages.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 21; T.C.A. § 44-15-220.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-121 - Previous rules and regulations revoked - Authority to promulgate new rules

(a)
All rules and regulations previously promulgated on the subject matter of this chapter are revoked.
(b)
The department shall promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 22; T.C.A. § 44-15-221.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-122 - Charges

In order to recover departmental costs, the commissioner is authorized to charge for the use of equipment and materials in providing technical assistance to beekeepers.
Acts 1995, ch. 402, § 24; T.C.A. § 44-15-222.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-123 - Indemnity for destruction

The commissioner may establish procedures for the payment of indemnities for honey bee colonies destroyed under the authority of this chapter. Indemnity under this section is not intended to be a full reimbursement but a partial compensation based on, but not limited to, the value of the colonies and the availability of funds for this purpose. Indemnification may be disallowed if the owner is in violation of this chapter.
Acts 1999, ch. 274, § 1; T.C.A. § 44-15-223.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-124 - Restrictions on keeping honeybees in hives

No county, municipality, consolidated government, or other political subdivision of this state shall adopt or continue in effect any ordinance or resolution prohibiting the establishment or maintenance of honeybees in hives, provided that such establishment or maintenance is in compliance with this chapter. This section shall not be construed to restrict or otherwise limit the zoning authority of county or municipal governments; provided, however, that a honeybee hive being maintained at a location in compliance with applicable zoning requirements on June 10, 2011, shall not be adversely affected and may be maintained at the same location notwithstanding any subsequent zoning changes.
Acts 2011, ch. 463, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 15 - TENNESSEE APIARY ACT OF 1995 (§§ 44-15-101 — 44-15-125) › Section 44-15-125 - Liability for personal injury or property damage

(a)
Any person who has registered an apiary pursuant to §
44-15-105
, is otherwise in compliance with this part and operates such apiary in a reasonable manner shall not be liable for any personal injury or property damage that is caused by the keeping and maintaining of:
(1)
Bee equipment, queen breeding equipment, apiaries, affiliated appliances that are located on such apiary; or
(2)
Bees that nest in a beehive that is located on such apiary.
(b)
The limitation of liability established by this section shall not apply to intentional tortious conduct or acts or omissions constituting gross negligence.
Acts 2011, ch. 474, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-104) › Section 44-16-101 - Hatchery and baby chick inspection service - Rules and regulations - Trademarks - Inspection fees

The department of agriculture shall organize, under the division of animal disease control, a poultry hatchery and baby chick inspection service, and the commissioner of agriculture shall prescribe such rules and regulations in conformity with recognized standards and establish such trademarks as may be necessary or proper to effect this service, and fix reasonable inspection fees to provide for the expense of the service.
Acts 1925, ch. 138, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 373a77; Code 1932, § 300; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1801.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-104) › Section 44-16-102 - Certification as accredited flock and hatchery

Each poultry flock inspected and meeting the standard requirements thus fixed shall be certified by the department as an accredited flock, and each hatchery using eggs from accredited flocks only, and otherwise meeting the standard requirements, shall be certified by the department as an accredited hatchery.
Acts 1925, ch. 138, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 373a78; Code 1932, § 301; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1802.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-104) › Section 44-16-103 - Inspector of poultry flocks, hatcheries, and baby chicks - Assistants - Compensation

The commissioner of agriculture is authorized, for the carrying out of this part, to appoint a state poultry flock, hatchery, and baby chick inspector and necessary assistants, and to fix their compensation; provided, that no expense shall be incurred or paid on account of this service in excess of the revenue derived from the service.
Acts 1925, ch. 138, § 3; Shan. Supp., § 373a79; Code 1932, § 302; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1803.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-104) › Section 44-16-104 - Inspection fees paid into state treasury for expenses - Surplus for poultry education and investigation

The revenue derived from the inspection fees authorized in §
44-16-101
shall be paid into the state treasury by the commissioner and placed to the credit of a special poultry inspection account, which may be drawn on by the department of agriculture to meet the expenses of the service provided for in this part, and if there should be a surplus remaining, it may be expended by the commissioner for poultry educational and investigational purposes.
Acts 1925, ch. 138, § 4; Shan. Supp., § 373a80; Code 1932, § 303; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1804.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 2 - CUSTOM HATCHING OR PRODUCING FOR SALE (§§ 44-16-201 — 44-16-207) › Section 44-16-201 - License required

Every person engaging in the business of custom hatching, producing baby chicks for sale or selling or offering baby chicks for sale either individually or by or through community sale, public pavilions or public auction shall obtain a license from the department for each establishment at which such business is conducted.
Acts 1945, ch. 176, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 547.16 (Williams, § 525.2); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1805.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 2 - CUSTOM HATCHING OR PRODUCING FOR SALE (§§ 44-16-201 — 44-16-207) › Section 44-16-202 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 485, s 23, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 2 - CUSTOM HATCHING OR PRODUCING FOR SALE (§§ 44-16-201 — 44-16-207) › Section 44-16-203 - Duties of licensees

Any person coming under this part shall:
(1)
Maintain sanitary measures such as will properly suppress and prevent the spread of contagious and infectious diseases of baby chicks;
(2)
Provide ample facilities for the proper care and handling of baby chicks on the premises;
(3)
Determine that all baby chicks are in a healthy condition before offering them for sale; and
(4)
Label all containers holding baby chicks, when offered for sale as a unit, with the following: number of baby chicks; breed and variety of baby chicks; date hatched; whether or not parent stock has been tested for pullorum disease; cockerels, pullets, or straight run; name and address of producer; and the name and address of the seller.
Acts 1945, ch. 176, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 547.18 (Williams, § 525.4); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1807.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 2 - CUSTOM HATCHING OR PRODUCING FOR SALE (§§ 44-16-201 — 44-16-207) › Section 44-16-204 - Access to premises - Enforcement by commissioner

(a)
The commissioner of agriculture or the commissioner's duly authorized agent has free access at all reasonable hours to any place of business coming under this part.
(b)
The commissioner shall enforce this part and has the authority to promulgate regulations for the efficient enforcement of its provisions.
Acts 1945, ch. 176, §§ 5, 6; C. Supp. 1950, § 547.19 (Williams, §§ 525.5, 525.6); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1808.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 2 - CUSTOM HATCHING OR PRODUCING FOR SALE (§§ 44-16-201 — 44-16-207) › Section 44-16-205 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Baby chicks" means all domestic fowl six (6) weeks of age or under;
(2)
"Department" means department of agriculture; and
(3)
"Person" includes every person, partnership, firm, company, association, society, public auction, community sale, sale pavilion, syndicate, and corporation.
Acts 1945, ch. 176, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 547.15 (Williams, § 525.1); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1809.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 2 - CUSTOM HATCHING OR PRODUCING FOR SALE (§§ 44-16-201 — 44-16-207) › Section 44-16-206 - Application of law

This part shall not be construed to include any person who hatches for sale one thousand (1,000) or fewer baby chicks per year.
Acts 1945, ch. 176, § 7; C. Supp. 1950, § 547.19 (Williams, § 525.7); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1810.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 16 - BABY CHICKS (§§ 44-16-101 — 44-16-207) › Part 2 - CUSTOM HATCHING OR PRODUCING FOR SALE (§§ 44-16-201 — 44-16-207) › Section 44-16-207 - Violation a misdemeanor - Revocation of license

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this part commits a Class C misdemeanor, but if the violation occurs after a conviction has become final, the person's license shall be revoked.
Acts 1945, ch. 176, § 8; C. Supp. 1950, § 547.20 (Williams, § 525.8); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 44-1811; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 17 - DOGS AND CATS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-715) › Part 1 - DOG AND CAT DEALERS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-122) › Section 44-17-101 - Purpose of part

The purpose of this part is to protect the owners of dogs and cats from the theft of their pets, to prevent the sale or use of dogs and cats that have been stolen, and to ensure the humane treatment of dogs and cats in commerce and those used in research facilities.
Acts 1967, ch. 332, § 1; T.C.A., § 44-104.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 17 - DOGS AND CATS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-715) › Part 1 - DOG AND CAT DEALERS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-122) › Section 44-17-102 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Cat" means any live cat of the species Felis catus;
(2)
"Commerce" means buying or selling or transporting from one (1) place to another in this state;
(3)
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture;
(4)
(A)
"Dealer" means any person who, for compensation or profit, buys, sells, transports (except as a common carrier), delivers for transportation, or boards dogs or cats for research purposes, or any person who buys or sells twenty-five (25) or more dogs or cats in any one (1) calendar year for resale within the state or for transportation out of the state;
(B)
"Dealer" also means any person who, for compensation or profit, buys from or sells to a private person at a flea market any dog or cat;
(5)
"Dog" means any live dog of the species Canis familiaris;
(6)
"Flea market" means any assemblage of twenty (20) or more persons gathered together at regular or irregular intervals, whether in open air or under cover, for the purpose of buying, selling, or trading merchandise to and from the general public, when this buying, selling, or trading is outside of the regular business or occupation of the majority of persons so gathered, and when the majority of the persons so gathered do not pay a business privilege tax for their activities at the flea market;
(7)
"Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity; and
(8)
"Research facility" means any school, hospital, laboratory, institution, organization or person that uses or intends to use dogs or cats in research, tests, or experiments and that purchases or transports dogs or cats in commerce.
Acts 1967, ch. 332, § 2; 1978, ch. 640, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 44-105.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 17 - DOGS AND CATS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-715) › Part 1 - DOG AND CAT DEALERS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-122) › Section 44-17-103 - Sale or transportation of dogs or cats to research facilities by dealers without license prohibited

(a)
It is unlawful for any dealer to sell or offer to sell or transport or offer for transportation to any research facility any dog or cat, or to buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, transport or offer for transportation in commerce any dog or cat, unless the dealer has a currently valid license from the commissioner and has complied with the rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to this part.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1967, ch. 332, § 3; T.C.A., § 44-106; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 17 - DOGS AND CATS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-715) › Part 1 - DOG AND CAT DEALERS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-122) › Section 44-17-104 - Applications for license - Fee

(a)
An application for a license as a dealer shall be made to the commissioner on a form provided by the commissioner, which shall contain space for such information as the commissioner may reasonably require, including evidence of ability to comply with such standards, rules and regulations as are lawfully prescribed by the commissioner.
(b)
Each application for a license shall be accompanied by a license fee based upon the following:
(1)
Dealer license fee to sell dogs or cats to research facilities - two hundred and fifty dollars ($250);
(2)
Dealer license fee (wholesale) to sell dogs or cats for resale - one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125);
(3)
Dealer license fee (retail) to buy dogs or cats for resale to be assessed as follows:
(A)
Transactions of up to 50 animals per year - one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125);
(B)
Transactions of 51 to 150 animals per year - two hundred and fifty dollars ($250);
(C)
Transactions of 151 to 300 animals per year - five hundred dollars ($500);
(D)
Transactions of 301 to 500 animals per year - seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750); and
(E)
Transactions of more than 500 animals per year - one thousand dollars ($1,000); and
(4)
Dealer license fee to transport dogs or cats in commerce - one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125).
Acts 1967, ch. 332, § 4; T.C.A., § 44-107; Acts 2002, ch. 774, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 44 - ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (§§ 44-2-101 — 44-21-104) › Chapter 17 - DOGS AND CATS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-715) › Part 1 - DOG AND CAT DEALERS (§§ 44-17-101 — 44-17-122) › Section 44-17-105 - Issuance of dealer's license - Requirements

(a)
The commissioner shall issue a license to an applicant after determining:
(1)
The applicant or the responsible officers of the applicant are of good moral character;
(2)
The applicant or any responsible officer of the applicant has never been convicted of cruelty to animals or of a violation of this part;
(3)
An inspection has been made of the premises and a finding that it conforms to this part and the rules and regulations of the commissioner, and is a suitable place in which to conduct the dealer's business; and
(4)
The dealer's business is to be conducted in a permanent structure or building.
(b)
Each license shall be issued only for the premises and to the person or persons named in the application and shall not be transferable or assignable except with the written approval of the commissioner.
(c)
Licenses shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises.
Acts 1967, ch. 332, § 5; T.C.A., § 44-108.