SS/SCS/HS/HCS/HB 257 - This act changes several provisions relating to agriculture.

BIG BLUESTEM - The act establishes "Big Bluestem" (Andropogon gerardii) as the official state grass.

CARRY BACK PROVISIONS - This act allows net operating losses for a farming operation to be carried forward and taken against any loss on Missouri income taxes for 20 years.

COUNTY STOCK FUND - This act adds a reference to the New Generation Tax Credits to the premium tax credits in the County Stock fund.

GROWER DISTRICT AUTHORIZATION ACT - These act allow a growers' district to be voluntarily created by producers. These districts have a Board of Commissioners. The district has all powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes of the section. There are provisions to dissolve the districts at any time and no one is required to be a part of the district.

MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS - Interstate and intrastate movement of animals under the management of privately owned ungulates shall be under the jurisdiction and control of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Costs associated with inspections is charged to the owners.

VALUE ADDED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS - The act defines value added agricultural products.

NEW GENERATION TAX CREDITS - The changes in this act include reducing the amount of employees for an eligible facility from 100 to 60, removing the ability for entities to redeem the tax credits on a quarterly basis, and allows entities to carry back the tax credits.

STORM WATER DISCHARGE - The act exempts storm water discharges and return flows from irrigated agriculture from the definition of water contaminant source.

WATER POLLUTION PERMITS - The act exempts discharge of a water contaminant that is totally confined on the owner's property that does not reach the waters of the state and subject to clean up and remediation as soon as practicable.

BOARD OF FUND COMMISSIONERS - The act authorizes the Board, as authorized by Section 37(e) and 37(g) of Article III of the Constitution, to borrow on the credit of the state $10 million for the purposes of Chapter 640 and Chapter 644, RSMo. The Board may borrow $20 million under Section 37(h) Article III.

VETERINARIAN IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS - Any veterinarian is authorized to impose any restrictions on animals, persons, and vehicles as he or she sees fit to prevent the spread of contagious reportable diseases. Any person who obstructs an y action shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

LIENS ON VETERINARIAN WORK This act allows liens against livestock for veterinary care for any payments overdue by one year.

REHABILITATION SERVICES ON ANIMALS This act allows a licensed physical therapist or their assistant from providing rehabilitation services on animals pursuant to a written prescription of a licensed veterinarian.

ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS - This act transfers the authority to regulate animal feeding operations from the Department of Natural Resources to the Clean Water Commission.

This act is similar to SB 315 (2003); SB 84 (2003); SB 554 (2003); SB 655 (2003).
SARAH MORROW