Signed by Governor Mike Parson

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits law enforcement and regulators ability to inspect farms and dog breeding operations.

Highlights:

• Grants exclusive authority to search grounds related to egg production, dog breeding, raising livestock or poultry, the production of milk, dairy products and eggs to (Sec. A-1): 

• the Missouri department of agriculture or its representative, 

• the Missouri department of natural resources, 

• the county sheriff for the county in which the facility is located, 

• the United States Department of Agriculture; and 

• any other federal or Missouri state agency with statutory or regulatory authority over the aforementioned products, animals, or processes.

• Prohibits any person, individual, corporation or other association, governmental agency, or any other entity from inspecting the grounds or facilities to enforce or carry out the laws or administrative rules of this state or a state other than Missouri unless specifically requested by the owner of the grounds or facilities, or using a search warrant lawfully issued by a court of competent jurisdiction (Sec. A-2).

• Prohibits testimony gained from grounds or facilities from being used in any criminal prosecution or civil case unless such testimony or evidence is offered by (Sec. A-4):

• A representative of any agency or office;

• Any person, individual, corporation or other association, governmental agency, or other entity specifically authorized by the owner of such grounds or facilities to be present at such grounds or facilities;

• Any person who entered such grounds or facilities under a valid search warrant issued by the court of competent jurisdiction; or

• Any person who has observed a condition or event at the grounds or facilities from public land or private land owned or rented by the person offering the testimony or evidence.

Full Bill Text