Governor Parson Signs Bill to Overturn Worth County Health Ordinance

On Friday, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 391 into law. The bill, championed by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, Rep. Mike Haffner, and many agriculture organizations, creates  what Governor Parson says is a consistent regulatory framework for producers and encourages investment in our rural communities.

“Senate Bill 391 is a big win for Missouri farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses,” Governor Parson said. “I applaud Senator Bernskoetter, Representative Haffner, and House and Senate leaders for sending a strong signal that we support the next generation of Missouri agriculture. We’ve now opened the doors that will allow Missouri to lead the way in meeting a growing world food demand and ensure we keep more agriculture production in our state, strengthening Missouri’s number one industry.”

State Representatives Allen Andrews and J. Eggleston and State Senator Dan Hegeman voted for the measure.

The bill overturns the health ordinance of Worth County and 19 other counties. Opponents of the bill said that the measure would reduce local control, allow concentrated animal feeding operations to build facilities, and that the Missouri DNR did not have adequate jurisdiction to regulate such operations.