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SALEM, Utah County — Hundreds of urban or hobbyist beekeepers living in the Beehive State may be surprised to find out they could be breaking the law.

According to a Utah law drafted in 1892: "A person may not raise bees in this state without being registered with the (state) department."

One lawmaker is out to change this century-old rule during the upcoming legislative session.

Rep. Marc Roberts, R-Santaquin, raises bees on his parent's farm in Spanish Fork as a hobby. Roberts believes the practice of urban farming, self-reliance and sustainable living is on the rise.

"Urban beekeeping and that type of thing is growing across the country," Roberts said.

When he started keeping bees 5 years ago, Roberts said he didn't realize he was breaking the law until after the fact.

"Really in Utah, I can't have bees?" Roberts said.

He believes the law as it is written is practically ancient history and isn't practical in 2016.

"I personally don't think it's necessary to register with the state to raise bees," Roberts said.

Even though for him, it's just a hobby – he believes the annual $10 registration should be voluntary instead of mandatory.

Roberts has drafted a bill to propose voluntary registration during the 2016 legislative session. The bill will also include language that will prevent leaders from outlawing beekeeping in any city in Utah.

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