Bill > HB585

This bill modifies Missouri's existing laws related to soil and water conservation districts by introducing comprehensive updates to definitions and expanding the scope of soil and water conservation efforts. The bill defines new terms such as "healthy soils practices," which include agricultural methods aimed at improving soil health through principles like keeping soil covered, minimizing disturbance, maximizing biodiversity, and integrating animals into land management. The bill broadens the mission of soil and water districts from simply saving soil and water to actively improving soil health, watershed health, water quality, groundwater supply, storm water mitigation, flood control, drought resilience, and crop security. It also updates the composition of the State Soil and Water Districts Commission, requiring that at least three farmer members demonstrate competency in healthy soils practices. The legislation expands the powers and duties of soil and water districts to support these enhanced goals, allowing them to provide more comprehensive assistance to landowners and promote agricultural practices that sustainably manage and improve soil and water resources. These changes reflect a more holistic and proactive approach to agricultural conservation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of soil health with broader environmental and agricultural objectives.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB585&year=2025&code=R