Bill Seeks To Protect Bees From Pesticides

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland lawmakers want to better protect bees from certain pesticides.

Supporters of the Pollinator Protection Act are scheduled to testify Tuesday before a Senate committee.

The measure would require any plants, seeds or nursery stock treated with certain pesticides to include a warning label. It also would ensure that consumers could not buy the pesticides, which are known as "neonics."

The pesticides would only be available for sale to certified applicators, farmers or veterinarians, under the bill.

The measure is being sponsored by Sen. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, a Prince George's County Democrat, and Del. Anne Healey, a Montgomery County Democrat.

In 2012, Maryland beekeepers lost nearly 50 percent of their hives. Roger Williams, president of the Central Maryland Beekeepers, says losses like that are unsustainable.

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