HB 544 -- PESTICIDES (Diehl)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Agriculture

This bill specifies that a pesticide registered by certain Federal agencies or a pesticide label consistent with certain Federal pesticide labeling requirements will satisfy any warning label requirement regarding cancer under any other provision of current law.

This bill is similar to SCS SB 1416 (2024).

HB 563 -- HUNTING PERMITS (Boggs)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Standing Committee on Government Efficiency

This bill prohibits the Department of Conservation from requiring a landowner to register his or her property before receiving any landowner hunting permit or to possess a permit to take wildlife on his or her property.

The Conservation Commission must issue landowner hunting permits requested by any resident or nonresident landowner who owns at least five acres of real property. In addition, once a year, any landowner who qualifies for landowner hunting permits may request a hunting permit for a nonresident immediate family member allowing the taking of wildlife on the landowner's property for a two-day period. The Commission must issue the two-day permit free of charge.

This bill is the same as HB 1787 (2024).

This bill establishes the "Missouri Hemp Consumer Protection Act".

The bill prohibits a person who is under the age of 21 from knowingly selling, distributing, or purchasing a hemp-derived consumable product, and also prohibits the act of persuading, enticing, sending, or assisting a person who is under the age of 21 to purchase, acquire, receive, or attempt to purchase a hemp- derived consumable product.

This bill allows a person who is under the age of 21 to consume hemp-derived consumables under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian. If the person is 18 years of age or older and a veteran, he or she may purchase, accept receipt of, possess, consume, or use a hemp-derived consumable.

The bill details the manner in which certain hemp-derived consumable beverage must be displayed as merchandise in a retail establishment, including an indication that such consumables are for sale only to persons 21 years of age or older. Any person in violation of these provisions will be fined not more than $200, with subsequent violations classified as a class D misdemeanor.

The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (DATC) must issue licenses for the manufacture and sale of hemp-derived consumables, and any entity or person engaged in the business of manufacturing or selling of such products that does not have a valid license will be fined not more than $250.

A person or entity that obtains a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer license must:

(1) Submit an application including the applicant's name, address, and a legal description of the location to be used for sales, if applicable;

(2) Pay the DATC a fee not to exceed $250 for a manufacturer or distributor, and $100 for a retailer; and

(3) Consent to reasonable inspection and sampling by DATC.

Licenses willl be valid for one year and may be renewed annually with a renewal fee equal to the initial licensing fee. No new retail establishments can be located within 100 feet of any educational institution, with certain exceptions described in the bill. This bill creates the "Hemp Business Fund". All fees collected by the DATC related to hemp-derived consumables must be deposited into the fund. The state treasurer will administer the fund, and can approve disbursements.

Before April 1, 2026, the DATC must set rules on the licensure of hemp-derived consumables. Such rules must, at a minimum:

(1) Set application forms and guidelines;

(2) Specify the date for hemp-derived businesses operating before the effective date of this bill must obtain a license;

(3) Set requirements for business operations; and

(4) Specify procedures for denial or revocation of licenses.

All testing of hemp-derived consumable products shall be overseen by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The DHSS must maintain a registry of independent testing laboratories qualified to test manufactured material and finished products. The application process for qualified testing laboratories is listed in the bill.

A manufacturer must ensure that hemp used in its products undergoes full-panel testing. If the hemp has valid full-panel test results, the hemp-derived consumable product will be required to undergo only potency testing. A distributor must ensure its hemp-derived consumable product is tested for potency prior to distribution to a retailer.

Any hemp used in the manufacture of hemp-derived consumable products for sale must be tested for the presence of the following substances:

(1) Heavy metals;

(2) Pesticides;

(3) Mycotoxins;

(4) Solvents; and

(5) Microbials.

Independent testing laboratories providing full-panel or potency testing must follow the provisions and regulations described in the bill, including methods, certificates of analysis, and best-by date labels.

The bill requires certain information be included on the label of a hemp-derived consumable product offered for distribution or sale, as described in the bill, in no less than three-point font. Hemp- derived consumable products that are intended for ingestion or inhalation must follow certain guidelines in packaging, as described in the bill. The bill regulates the advertising, marketing, or sale of hemp-derived consumable products that retailers or manufacturers must follow, as described in the bill.

This bill requires that a person must not do the following while impaired by the use of a hemp-derived consumable product:

(1) Undertake any task that would constitute negligence or professional malpractice; or

(2) Operate, navigate, or be in physical control of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft;

An employer is not required to accommodate an employee's use of a hemp-derived consumable product in the workplace or an employee working while under the influence of a hemp-derived consumable product.

A person will not be exempt from prosecution for a criminal offense related to impairment or intoxication from a hemp-derived consumable product nor relieved from submitting to a breath, blood, urine, or other test to detect controlled substances.

This bill prohibits hemp-derived consumable beverage product manufacturers from assigning exclusive territories for distribution.

The bill requires that manufacturers register their hemp-derived consumable products for distribution on an application that includes certain information, as described in the bill. The DATC may conduct random audits to ensure compliance with registration requirements. New and updated product registration is required for:

(1) Any change in the hemp-derived consumable product's ingredients;

(2) Any change of name for the product;

(3) Any change to the directions for use. This bill requires that potency testing of any hemp-derived consumable product must be conducted on such products in its final form in accordance with oversight authority of the DHSS described above.

The bill allows the DATC to periodically sample, analyze, and test hemp-derived consumable products. The procedures to be used for testing are described in the bill.

This bill requires that all retail establishments and food service establishments offering hemp-derived consumable products must be licensed by the DATC. Such products can be sold in retail and food establishments if they have been registered. Hemp-derived consumable products shall not be offered at a temporary event at a retail or food service establishment unless it has been issued a temporary event permit.

Retail or food service establishments can not permit a person under the age of 21 to serve or handle hemp-derived consumable products unless:

(1) The person is an employee of the business who is 18 years of age or older; and

(2) The person is under the direct supervision of a person 21 years of age or older.

The bill allows a person under 18 years of age to work in hemp fields or participate in the processing of raw hemp flowers, provided that such person is supervised by a person 21 years of age or older. A prospective purchaser or recipient of a hemp-derived consumable product that is meant to be consumed on-site must present proof of age. Hemp-derived consumable products can not be added to an ingestible food products at a food service establishment, but may be added to a nonalcoholic ingestible beverage product.

This bill requires that a food service establishment offering hemp- derived consumable products must provide certain documents and information upon inspection or requested, as described in the bill. Food service establishments must notify DATC within 24 hours of any serious adverse event associated with a hemp-derived consumable product sold by the establishment. If on-site sampling of a hemp- derived consumable product is offered by a manufacturer at its place of business, such sampling may only be consumed by persons 21 years of age or older.

The bill allows the DATC to regulate the advertising and promotion of hemp-derived consumable product sales, so long as such regulations are no more stringent than state regulations applied to alcohol sales.

This bill exempts safe harbor hemp products and safe harbor manufacturers or storage facilities from the provisions described above. Hemp-derived consumable products intended for distribution or resale outside of Missouri are exempt from any registration requirements.

The bill permits registered nurses to administer a hemp-derived consumable product to a student under the following conditions:

(1) The parent or legal guardian submits a written letter specifying the reason for the administration and the amount to be administered;

(2) For each product to be administered, no more than a three month supply can be provided to the school at any given time; and

(3) Any product provided to a school is kept in an area that is inaccessible to other students, teachers, staff, and administrators.

Hemp-derived consumable products can be sold or consumed at any festival or event held on school grounds where alcohol is otherwise permitted as long as the festival or event complies with general requirements.

The act is identical to SCS/SB 1416 (2024) and HCS/HB 2763 (2024).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

The act also provides that cotton trailers shall not be in violation of the law regulating the securing of loads provided that certain conditions are met, no portion of the load becomes dislodged and falls from the cotton trailer, and the goods or material is secured in a manner specified in the act.

This act is similar to SS/SB 1298 (2024), and provisions in SCS/SB 1300 (2024).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Under the act, it shall be unlawful for any person to export water resources outside the state unless the person holds a water exportation permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources, subject to certain exemptions as described in the act.

The Director of the Department shall review each water exportation permit application and all supporting documents to ensure the required conditions have been met prior to accepting a water exportation application for public comment and review by the Missouri Water Resources Commission. The required conditions are described in the act.

Within 120 days after receipt of a complete application, the Director shall determine whether the applicant complied with the conditions under the act. After making such a determination, the Director shall hold a 30-day public comment period regarding the determination. Within 60 days after the comment period, the Director shall recommend approval or denial of the permit. The recommendation and public comments shall be submitted to the Commission. The Commission shall make the final decision as to the approval or denial of the permit as described in the act.

To renew a water exportation permit, an applicant shall file a renewal application with the Department as described in the act. The process for reviewing the renewal application is described in the act.

In the absence of an appeal, the decision of the Commission shall be final.

A water exportation permit shall be in effect for three years after the date of issuance. The permit holder shall annually report the water use volumes and withdrawal rates to the Department.

The water exportation permit application shall include all water exportation requested by the applicant. The water exportation permit may be approved by the Director or the Commission. An applicant may include multiple water withdrawals for export from various locations within one water exportation permit application.

A water exportation permit application shall include a designee or agent in the state for service of process and to receive other notices.

A major water user may request the Department to reevaluate any existing water exportation permit using the criteria under the act. The Department shall create a mechanism for a major water user to submit a request for reevaluation of the permit as described in the act.

The act shall not preclude a person from bringing any claim to defend the person's water rights. A permit shall not serve as a defense to any claim brought against a water permit holder for the infringement of water rights.

If the Attorney General receives a complaint for violations of the act, or at the request of the Department, the Attorney General shall bring a civil action. Suit may be brought in any county where the defendant's principal place of business is located or where the withdrawal of water occurred in violation of the act.

Whenever a state of emergency is declared by the Governor in any part of the state based on drought conditions, the Department shall reevaluate any existing water exportation permit as described in the act.

The act creates the "Missouri Water Resources Commission". Membership requirements, compensation, and duties of the Commission are described in the act.

The act is similar to a provision in SCS/HCS/HBs 2134 & 1956 (2024), SCS/SB 782 (2024), SB 599 (2023) and HCS/HB 1129 (2023).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

This act creates a mandated reporting requirement for certain mental health, educational, protective services, and law enforcement personnel to report cases of animal abuse or neglect to a hotline established by the Missouri Animal Control Association (MACA). MACA shall provide the report of abuse or neglect to any duly-authorized law enforcement official, county or municipal animal control officer, or animal cruelty investigator. If the mandated reporter is an employee of an agency or political subdivision of the state and fails to make a report as required under this provision, the employer shall send a written notice to the employee noting the failure and providing a reminder of the requirements of reporting animal abuse or neglect. Additionally, a mandated reporter who fails to make a report shall be subject to discipline by his or her professional licensing board, as well as a fine, as described in the act.

Finally, protective services employees with direct contact with children, the elderly, and vulnerable persons shall be required to receive one hour of training within the first 60 days of employment to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect in animals.

This act is substantially similar to SB 995 (2024), SB 1259 (2024), SB 91 (2023), and SB 1182 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

Under the act, it shall be unlawful for any person to export water resources outside the state unless the person holds a water exportation permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources, subject to certain exemptions as described in the act.

It shall be unlawful for any person to withdraw water for exportation by use of a pipeline facility, unless the withdrawal and ultimate end use of the water by a pipeline facility is within 30 miles of the state border. Any person who withdraws water for exportation shall annually report the water use volumes, withdrawal rates, and end use to the Department in a manner and on timelines determined by the Department. This provision has a severability clause.

The Director of the Department shall review each water exportation permit application and all supporting documents to ensure the required conditions have been met prior to accepting a water exportation application for public comment and review by the State Soil and Water Districts Commission. The required conditions are described in the act.

Within 120 days after receipt of a complete application, the Director shall determine whether the applicant complied with the conditions under the act. After making such a determination, the Director shall hold a 30-day public comment period regarding the determination. Within 60 days after the comment period, the Director shall recommend approval or denial of the permit. Such recommendation and public comments shall be submitted to the Commission. The Commission shall make the final decision as to the approval or denial of the permit as described in the act.

To renew a water exportation permit, an applicant shall file a renewal application with the Department as described in the act. The process for reviewing the renewal application is described in the act.

In the absence of an appeal, the decision of the Commission shall be final.

A water exportation permit shall be in effect for three years after the date of issuance. The permit holder shall annually report the water use volumes, withdrawal rates, and end use to the Department. Such report shall be made available to the public on the Department's website.

The water exportation permit application shall include all water exportation requested by the applicant. The water exportation permit may be approved by the Director or the Commission. An applicant may include multiple water withdrawals for exportation from various locations within one water exportation permit application.

A water exportation permit application shall include a designee or agent in the state for service of process and to receive other notices.

A major water user may request the Department to reevaluate any existing water exportation permit using the criteria under the act. The Department shall create a mechanism for a major water user to submit a request for reevaluation of the permit as described in the act.

The act shall not preclude a person from bringing any claim to defend the person's water rights. A permit shall not serve as a defense to any claim brought against a water permit holder for the infringement of water rights. Any person harmed by the issuance of a permit may bring appropriate action as described in the act.

If the Attorney General receives a complaint for violations of the act, or at the request of the Department, the Attorney General shall bring a civil action. Suit may be brought in any county where the defendant's principal place of business is located or where the withdrawal of water occurred in violation of the act. Any member of the Commission deemed to have violated provisions of this act shall forfeit their office upon such finding of a violation.

Whenever a state of emergency is declared by the Governor in any part of the state based on drought conditions, the Department shall reevaluate any existing water exportation permit as described in the act.

The act is similar to a provision in SCS/HCS/HBs 2134 & 1956 (2024), SCS/SB 782 (2024), SB 599 (2023) and HCS/HB 1129 (2023).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

The act is similar to HCS/HB 2412 (2024).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

Beginning August 28, 2025, all proposed transfers of agricultural land held by an alien or foreign business in the state shall be submitted to the Department of Agriculture to determine whether such transfers are conveyed in accordance with the prohibition on foreign ownership of agricultural land under the act.

The act is identical to SB 786 (2024), a provision in SB 924 (2024), HB 1571 (2024), HB 2138 (2024), HB 2928 (2024), SB 144 (2023), provisions in SCS/SBs 332 & 334, 541 & 144 (2023), SB 791 (2022), HB 1947 (2022), SB 243 (2021), HB 1136 (2021), HB 1492 (2020), substantially similar to a provision in CCS/SS/SCS/HCS/HB 903, 465, 430 & 499 (2023), and similar to a provision in SCS/SB 734 (2024), SB 9 (2023).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

This act is identical to SB 1306 (2024).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Certain foreign governments or entities shall not purchase, hold or acquire title to real property in this state if such foreign government or entity is listed as a foreign adversary or a foreign business entity; headquartered in a country that is a foreign adversary; directly or indirectly held or controlled by a foreign adversary; owned the majority of stock or other ownership interest which is held or controlled by citizens of a foreign adversary; or controlled by or has the majority of stock or other ownership interest held or controlled by citizens of a foreign adversary.

This act shall not apply to a foreign adversary possessing real property interest if such foreign adversary is a duly registered business in good standing with the Secretary of State for seven years or longer prior to August 28, 2025, has been approved by the United States Committee of Foreign Investment as described in the act, and maintains an active national security agreement with the federal government.

This act is identical to SB 893 (2024), and substantially similar to SB 649 (2023).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

This act modifies the definition of "foreign business" to include professional corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, or the equivalent of any entity listed in the current law, in which a controlling interest is owned or organized under the laws of a foreign country, or both.

Currently, no more than 1% of the total agricultural acreage in the state may be owned by a foreign entity.

Under the act, on the effective date of the act, no alien, foreign business, or a foreign government shall acquire agricultural land in the state. Any such foreign entity who acquired agricultural land in the state prior to the effective date of the act shall not transfer agricultural land to any other foreign entity on or after the effective date of the act.

No person may hold agricultural land as a fiduciary for a foreign government.

A foreign entity that acquired agricultural land in violation of the provisions of the act remains in violation of the act for as long as the foreign entity holds an interest in the agricultural land.

After the effective date of the act, all proposed transfers of any interest in agricultural land held by a foreign entity in the state shall be submitted to the Department of Agriculture at least 30 calendar days prior to such transfers being finalized to determine whether such transfers, or if land usage changes, are conveyed in accordance with the prohibition on foreign ownership of agricultural land in the state. Such sale or transfer submitted for review to the Department shall be deemed a closed record until such sale is finalized.

If the Director finds that a foreign entity has acquired agricultural land after the effective date of the act, instead of pursuant to the provisions under current law, the Director shall report such violation to the Attorney General.

This act creates a definition of "nonfarming" with respect to the current provisions regarding foreign-owned agricultural land being used for nonfarming purposes.

Additionally, beginning on the effective date of this act, no foreign adversary, as defined in the act, shall own agricultural land in the state for nonfarming purposes, which includes research purposes.

This act has an emergency clause.

This act is similar to SB 806 (2024), provisions in SB 865 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1957 (2024), CCS/SS/SCS/HCS/HBs 903, 465, 430 & 499 (2023), SCS/SBs 332, 334, SB 541 & SB 144 (2023), provisions in SB 791 (2022), HB 1947 (2022), SB 243 (2021), HB 1136 (2021), HB 1492 (2020).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

Under the act, no state department or agency shall implement any program which confers a state public benefit, as defined in the act, on or relating to any foreign-owned property.

The act repeals provisions relating to gifts received by institutions of higher education from foreign entities and how such gifts shall be reported as described in current law.

Under the act, a public institution of higher education shall not accept any gift from a foreign government or a foreign entity. This provision does not apply to tuition received by institutions of higher education from foreign students.

The act provides that no alien or foreign business shall build an electricity generating facility, as described in the act, on agricultural land owned by an alien or foreign business after August 28, 2025.

The act modifies the definition of "foreign business" to include professional corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, or the equivalent of any entity listed in the current law, in which a controlling interest is owned or organized under the laws of a foreign country, as described in the act.

Currently, no more than 1% of the total agricultural acreage in the state can be owned by a foreign entity. This act prohibits a foreign entity from acquiring agricultural land in the state after the effective date of the act.

After the effective date of the act, all proposed transfers of any interest in agricultural land held by a foreign entity in the state shall be submitted at least 30 calendar days prior to when such transfers are finalized to the Department of Agriculture to determine whether transfers of agricultural land are conveyed in accordance with the prohibition on foreign ownership of agricultural land under this act. Such sale or transfer submitted for review to the Department shall be deemed a closed record until the sale is finalized.

If the Director finds that a foreign entity has acquired agricultural land after the effective date of the act, instead of pursuant to the provisions under the current law, the Director shall report such violation to the Attorney General.

This act creates a definition of "nonfarming", as described in the act, with respect to current provisions regarding foreign-owned agricultural land being used for nonfarming purposes.

This act has an emergency clause.

This act identical SB 865 (2024), to provision in SB 806 (2024), a provision in HCS/HB 1957 (2024), has provisions substantially similar to CCS/SS/SCS/HCS/HBs 903, 465, 430 & 499 (2023), SCS/SBs 332, 334, SB 541 & SB 144 (2023), similar to provisions in SB 791 (2022), HB 1947 (2022), SB 243 (2021), HB 1136 (2021), HB 1492 (2020).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

Any government entity that restricts farming or ranching practices shall be held civilly liable to the farmer or rancher for injunctive and declaratory relief.

No government measure shall restrict the production, manufacturing, distribution, or sale of supplements intended for human application, absorption, or consumption, or be deemed to enforce a compulsory marketing quota, poundage quota, or similar policy restricting the production of farming or ranching.

No penalty as a result of a violation of any provision of law, order, ordinance, rule, regulation, policy, or similar measure regarding protection of the environment shall require the closure of a farming or ranching operation or restrict the consumption or sale of food products.

Except for licenses required by law before August 28, 2025, no licensure shall be required for an individual to operate or engage in farming or ranching.

The right to access and the ability to afford food products, as defined in this act, shall not be infringed upon by restrictions based on an individual's credit score, credit worthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity, or presentation of an identification card.

Any farmer or rancher who sells food products of his or her farming or ranching operation that are fit for human consumption shall not be held civilly liable for injury or death arising from a condition of such food products if the farmer or rancher provides the following warning label stating: "WARNING: CONSUME AT YOUR OWN RISK".

The use of any form of environmental manipulation, as defined in the act, is prohibited in this state. This provision shall not prevent the use of pesticides on any farming or ranching operations. Any person using forms of environmental manipulation shall be held civilly liable for damages resulting from such use.

The act repeals the provision allowing the Governor to control the sale or distribution of food and feed during a state of emergency.

The Governor shall not have the authority to prevent farming or ranching, as described in the act.

The act repeals certain provisions regarding deeming certain agricultural operations as nuisances and provides that no agricultural operation or any of its appurtenances shall be deemed to be a nuisance, except for those agricultural operations or any of its appurtenances used for production of swine or swine products as described in the act, that unreasonably expand in violation of zoning laws or ordinances.

The act is identical to SB 1318 (2024) and SB 84 (2023).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

The act repeals these provisions and certain other provisions relating to the membership of the Commission and provides that the Commission shall consist of twelve members. No more than three members shall be from any congressional district.

This act is identical to SB 1054 (2024), a provision in HCS/SB 155 (2023) and similar to HB 2115 (2022).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

This act is identical to SB 1365 (2024) and HB 2457 (2024), and to a provision in HCS/HB 1427 (2024).

JOSH NORBERG

This act is identical to SB 1261 (2024), and similar to HB 2831 (2024).

ERIC VANDER WEERD

Additionally, an individual may purchase raw milk or cream from a milk producer at a farmer's market, provided that the milk or cream is labeled as raw milk or cream.

This act is similar to SB 86 (2023), SB 235 (2021), SB 861 (2020), and HB 1335 (2020).

SARAH HASKINS

The use of animals in research shall include animals used in scientific research, testing, and for experimentation purposes.

A person commits the existing offense of animal abuse if he or she causes injury to the sexual organs of a female dog or needlessly causes pain to a female dog during artificial insemination.

Under the act, the basic training of every peace officer shall include at least four hours of training on officer-canine encounters and canine behaviors, as described in the act.

This act has provisions identical to SB 1319 (2024).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

WOOD ENERGY TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the production of certain wood-energy processed wood products expires on June 30, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.305)

MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES TAX CREDIT

The Meat Processing Facility Investment Tax Credit for the expansion or modernization of meat processing facilities expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.686)

HIGHER ETHANOL FUEL TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the sale of higher ethanol blend fuels expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.772)

BIODIESEL RETAIL SALE TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the sale of biodiesel fuels expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset.

This act provides that a taxpayer shall not be liable for penalties or interest on an income tax balance due if such taxpayer is denied part or all of a tax credit to which the taxpayer has qualified due to lack of available funds, and such denial causes a balance-due notice to be generated by the Department of Revenue or any other redeeming agency. Such taxpayer shall pay the balance due within sixty days or be subject to penalties and interest pursuant to current law. (Section 135.775)

BIODIESEL PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the production of biodiesel fuels expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.778)

URBAN FARMS TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for the establishment or improvement of urban farms expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 135.1610)

ROLLING STOCK TAX CREDIT

A tax credit for eligible expenses incurred in the manufacture, maintenance, or improvement of a freight line company's qualified rolling stock expires on August 28, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 137.1018)

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION TAX CREDITS

Tax credits for contributions to the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority and investments in new generation cooperatives for the purpose of development of agricultural business expire on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Section 348.436)

SPECIALTY AGRICULTURAL CROPS

The "Specialty Agricultural Crops Act" loan program for family farmers and tax credits for lenders expires on December 31, 2028. This act repeals such sunset. (Sections 348.491 and 348.493)

This act is substantially similar to SB 958 (2024).

JOSH NORBERG

· Sell or distribute a hemp-derived consumable product to a person under 21 years of age;

· Purchase such product on behalf of a person under 21 years of age;

· Persuade, entice, send, or assist a person under 21 years of age to acquire such product;

· Distribute such products in or on a public street, sidewalk, or park without obtaining a temporary event permit from the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the Department of Public Safety;

· Sell or distribute such product without first obtaining proof of age, as specified in the act;

· Purchase, possess, or accept such product while under 21 years of age; or

· Present false or fraudulent proof of age to obtain such product.

A person under 21 years of age may consume a hemp-derived consumable product under the supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian or if administered by a licensed health care professional at a school, as specified in the act. A person under 21 years of age may purchase, accept receipt of, possess, consume, or use such product if the person is at least 18 years of age and a veteran.

Retailers selling hemp-derived consumable products that are not certain beverages shall keep such products on or behind the counter, in an area restricted to adults 21 years of age or older, or in a locked cabinet. Beverages shall be sold in a way that indicates to consumers that the products contain hemp-derived cannabinoids and are to be sold for persons 21 years of age or older.

Any person who violates these provisions shall be subject to a fine of not more than $250 for the first violation and a class D misdemeanor for any second or subsequent violation. The Division shall enforce these provisions, as specified in the act.

The purchase, possession, consumption, use, manufacture, transportation, or distribution of hemp-derived consumable products in accordance with this act shall be lawful.

Any person or entity that is in the business of hemp-derived consumable products in this state, including any manufacturer, distributer, or retailer, shall obtain a license from the Division, as specified in the act, or be subject to a fine not to exceed $250. The license shall be location specific for retailers. The license shall be valid for one year and may be renewed annually. The Division shall establish guidelines for small-scale producers to promote the development of local hemp manufacturers focused on the production of edibles, inhalables, and beverages.

Beginning August 28, 2025, no new retail establishments offering hemp-derived consumable products shall be located within 100 feet of any educational institution providing elementary or secondary education to children at any level from kindergarten through grade twelve, or equivalent levels.

This act creates the "Hemp Business Fund", consisting of license application and renewal fees collected by the Division. The fund shall be used for the administration of this act.

Hemp-derived consumable products shall be tested in a process overseen by the Department of Health and Senior Services. The Department shall maintain on its website a registry of independent testing laboratories that are qualified to test intermediate manufactured material and finished products containing a hemp-derived cannabinoid. Manufacturers shall ensure their product is tested prior to distribution, as specified in the act. Distributors shall ensure products are tested for potency prior to distribution to a retailer. Testing under this provision shall determine the presence and amount of certain substances listed in the act, including heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, solvents, and microbials.

Hemp-derived consumable products offered for distribution or sale in Missouri shall bear labels containing specified information, including the amount of any cannabinoids over one milligram and any measurable THC in milligrams, as well as certain statements of risk and a best-by date not to exceed two years following the laboratory's test results. Labels shall not have likeness or resemblance to a human, animal, cartoon character, or fictional character.

Hemp-derived consumable products, including beverage products, tinctures, and inhalation products, sold in this state shall not contain more than the permissible amounts of delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, or delta-10 THC in a single serving or in the aggregate, as specified in the act. Products intended for inhalation shall not contain any amount of vitamin E oil or vitamin E acetate oil.

A person shall not undertake any task while impaired by the use of a hemp-derived consumable product if doing so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice. A person shall not operate a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorized watercraft, or other vehicle while impaired by the use of a such product. Employers shall not be required to accommodate the use of such products in the workplace or an employee working while under the influence of such products.

Hemp-derived consumable beverage product manufacturers may assign exclusive territories for distribution of their beverage products.

Each manufacturer shall register its hemp-derived consumable products distributed or available for distribution in Missouri with the Division, as specified in the act.

All retail establishments and food service establishments offering hemp-derived consumable products shall be licensed by the Division and such products or class of products may be sold in such establishments if the product or class of products has been registered with the Division. Retail establishments or food service establishments may offer such products at a temporary event if the establishment is licensed by the Division and obtains a temporary event permit from the Division.

The provisions of this act shall not be applied to any safe-harbor hemp product, meaning those hemp products manufactured or prepared for distribution in this state for export outside of this state and not sold or distributed in this state, or any safe harbor manufacturer or storage facility.

A registered nurse may administer a hemp-derived consumable product to a student at school if: (1) the parent or legal guardian of the student has submitted a written letter specifying the reason for the administration and the amount to be administered; (2) no more than a 3-month supply is provided to the school at any given time; and (3) any such product is kept in an area inaccessible to other students, teachers, staff, and administrators.

Hemp-derived consumable products may be sold or consumed at any event held on school grounds where alcohol is permitted, as specified in the act.

This act is similar to HB 393 (2025).

SARAH HASKINS

Additionally, this act modifies the offense of animal abuse to provide that it shall be a class E felony if the suffering of an animal is the result of starvation or dehydration, in addition to torture or mutilation, and which has been knowingly, instead of consciously, inflicted while the animal was alive.

KATIE O'BRIEN

This act is identical to HB 2672 (2024), substantially similar to SB 486 (2023) and HB 2696 (2022), and similar to HB 929 (2023).

SARAH HASKINS

The act repeals the provision stating that a state standard for the location, size of sewage tanks and length of lateral lines is based on the percolation or permeability rate of the soil. Under the act, the state standard is based on soil properties.

The act repeals the provision stating that soil tests are to be performed by persons who are qualified to perform the percolation tests and creates a new provision authorizing onsite soil evaluators registered by the Department of Health and Senior Services to conduct soils morphology evaluations.

This act repeals the provision stating that contractors may be taught and allowed to perform percolation tests.

The act repeals provisions relating to the Department of Health and Senior Services periodically reviewing any county and city regulation and enforcement record to ensure that the state standard for sewage regulation is being enforced.

The act creates a mandatory registration program requiring continuing education before January 1, 2026 for onsite wastewater treatment system professionals qualified to perform percolation tests in accordance with the state standard as described in the act. Before January 1, 2026, the administrative authority may accept a percolation test at its own discretion if a soil morphology evaluation cannot be reasonably obtained. This provision shall be void and of no effect after December 31, 2025.

Under the act, any person who intends to construct or make major modifications or repairs to an on-site sewage disposal system must submit an application fee and obtain a construction permit.

The act repeals certain provisions relating to fees for repair of on-site sewage disposal systems.

Under the act, the Department shall promulgate regulations establishing the conditions and requirements for the construction permit application, including the collection of reasonable fees set at a level to produce revenue not exceeding the cost and expense of administering the provisions under the act.

The act is identical to HB 200 (2025), HB 2083 (2024), HB 814 (2023), and substantially similar to SB 1283 (2024), and SB 523 (2023).

JULIA SHEVELEVA

This act creates a mandated reporting requirement for certain mental health, educational, protective services, and law enforcement personnel to report cases of animal abuse or neglect to a hotline established by the Missouri Animal Control Association (MACA). MACA shall provide the report of abuse or neglect to any duly-authorized law enforcement official, county or municipal animal control officer, or animal cruelty investigator. If the mandated reporter is an employee of an agency or political subdivision of the state and fails to make a report as required under this provision, the employer shall send a written notice to the employee noting the failure and providing a reminder of the requirements of reporting animal abuse or neglect. Additionally, a mandated reporter who fails to make a report shall be subject to discipline by his or her professional licensing board, as well as a fine, as described in the act.

Finally, protective services employees with direct contact with children, the elderly, and vulnerable persons shall be required to receive one hour of training within the first 60 days of employment to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect in animals.

This act is identical to SB 65 (2025) and substantially similar to SB 995 (2024), SB 1259 (2024), SB 91 (2023), and SB 1182 (2022).

SARAH HASKINS

A nonprofit development organization, as defined in the act, may apply to the Department for approval for a workforce housing grant to establish a workforce housing investment fund. Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis, and no more than one million dollars shall be awarded to any one nonprofit development organization over a two year period, and no more than two million dollars to any one nonprofit development organization for the period ending on June 30, 2028. Grants shall require matching funds in order to be awarded, as described in the act.

If a nonprofit development organization fails to engage in qualified activity within two years of receiving initial grant funding, such organization shall return the grant funds to the Department. If a nonprofit development organization fails to allocate any remaining grant funds to qualified activities within two years of the commencement of initial qualified activity, such organization shall return all unallocated grant funds.

Beginning August 28, 2030, the Department shall transfer any remaining grant funds held by the Department to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund.

Annual reports shall be filed by all nonprofit development organizations and by the Department, as described in the act.

This act is identical to HB 245 (2025).

JOSH NORBERG

This act is identical to HB 1042 (2025).

JOSH NORBERG

Hemp beverage manufacturers may solicit and sell hemp beverage products to hemp beverage wholesalers, but shall not sell directly to a hemp beverage retailer. Hemp beverage wholesalers can solicit and sell hemp beverage products to hemp beverage retailers. A person, cooperative, or business holding a hemp beverage manufacturer license, hemp beverage wholesaler license, or a hemp beverage retailer license, or any combination of the three, may not hold a marijuana facility license.

No hemp beverage wholesaler or hemp beverage retailer shall distribute or sell any hemp beverage products that they know or reasonably should know were manufactured outside of the United States.

The act specifies the qualifications to receive a license, fees for licensure, and the application process, as well as the health, safety, permissible ingredients, testing, and transportation standards. The act also outlines the packaging and labeling requirements for hemp beverages. Any hemp beverage manufacturer or wholesaler who violates such health and safety standards, or permits its employees, officers, or agents to do so, will be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction will be subject to specified fines.

This act prohibits the sale of hemp beverages to anyone under the age of 21. Anyone who sells hemp beverages shall also be 21 years old. A manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer of a hemp beverage product shall not advertise, market, or offer for sale the product by using, in the labeling or design of the product or product packaging or in advertising or marketing materials for the product trade dress, trademarks, branding, or other related materials, any imagery or scenery that depicts or signifies characters or symbols known to appeal primarily to persons under 21 years of age.

Under this act, an excise tax at a rate of 7% shall be imposed on the retail sale of a hemp beverage product.

This act is substantially similar to HB 463 (2025).

SARAH HASKINS

JULIA SHEVELEVA

ERIC VANDER WEERD

JULIA SHEVELEVA

JULIA SHEVELEVA

This act is identical to HCS/HB 1063 (2025).

JIM ERTLE

JULIA SHEVELEVA

This act is identical to HB 1026 (2025).

OLIVIA SHANNON

Furthermore, if the United States Department of Health and Human Services determines that a pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, or a fertilizer is known to cause cancer, the packaging shall have an inconspicuous label that shall read: "may cause cancer".

JULIA SHEVELEVA