Rhode Island General Laws Title 4. Animals and Animal Husbandry § 4-12-12. Registration of apiaries

(a) All apiaries in the state must be registered, annually, with the director of environmental management not later than March first. All persons owning honey bees within the state shall annually notify the director of the keeping of bees, their location and number of colonies.

(b) Any person(s) within the state who sells, gives, barters, or otherwise transfers ownership of bees and/or honey bee colonies, and/or nuclei colonies shall notify the director, in writing, within thirty (30) days of the name and address of the new owner.

(c) Between 14 and 30 days prior to March first annually the director shall cause notice of the registration requirement to be published at least twice in the state newspaper and in other newspapers and journals of general circulation adequate to provide reasonable notice throughout the state.

(d) The director shall mail to all registered beekeepers the necessary registration material annually, at least thirty (30) days prior to March first.