Bill > HB1624

This bill modifies existing Missouri laws related to nursery and seed dealer regulations by requiring applicants for seed permits to include an affidavit prohibiting the sale of certain nonnative invasive plants. Specifically, the bill mandates that seed dealers and nursery dealers cannot knowingly import, export, buy, sell, transport, distribute, or propagate specific invasive plant species, including climbing euonymus, Japanese honeysuckle, Sericea lespedeza, and Perilla mint by January 1, 2027, and burning bush and Callery pear by January 1, 2029. The bill establishes that seed permit applicants must submit this affidavit when applying for a new permit or renewing an existing one, with different permit fees depending on the type of seed sales operation (ranging from $20 to $400). The legislation aims to prevent the spread of potentially harmful nonnative plant species by restricting their commercial distribution, and it applies to various types of seed sellers, including retail businesses, wholesale operations, and farmers who sell seeds. The bill also maintains existing provisions for inspection, certification, and regulation of nursery and seed stock to ensure plant health and prevent the spread of pests.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1624&year=2026&code=R