Bill > SB1266

This bill establishes the Freedom to Farm Act, which provides broad protections for farmers and ranchers in Missouri, preventing government intervention in agricultural practices and establishing significant legal safeguards. The bill defines key terms like "farming," "ranching," and "food products," and guarantees farmers' rights to engage in agricultural practices free from government restrictions. It prohibits state agencies from requiring additional licensure for farming, prevents restrictions on food product sales based on credit standing, and allows farmers to sell food products with a simple "consume at your own risk" warning label. The bill also modifies the Governor's emergency powers, specifically limiting the ability to control or restrict agricultural operations during emergencies, and prevents the Governor from imposing restrictions on water usage or food product distribution. Additionally, the bill addresses agricultural nuisance laws, maintaining protections for agricultural operations except in specific cases involving swine operations in first-classification counties that violate zoning laws. The legislation also explicitly prohibits "environmental manipulation," which it defines as weather modification or pollution techniques that could potentially harm food supplies, with potential civil liability for anyone attempting such actions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=390