JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The House of Representatives announced the passing of a house bill that aims to align pesticide regulations under federal standards in a vote of 85-72.
Sponsored by State Representative Dane Diehl, HB 544 looks to regulate pesticide labeling requirements in Missouri.
The legislation clarified that pesticides registered by federal agencies or labeled in compliance with federal guidelines must fulfill state-mandated cancer warning label requirements.
Products labeled as glyphosate-based herbicides, which are widely studied in the country, were listed in the legislation.
Diehl noted that HB 544’s purpose is crucial for Missouri’s agriculture.
“(HB 544) upholds a trusted process with some of the toughest regulations in the U.S., recognized globally for its rigorous standards,” Diehl said. “This legislation also ensures consistency between state and federal standards, preventing unnecessary confusion while protecting both farmers and consumers.”
Supporters of Diehl’s bill assert that certain herbicides are safe and unlikely to cause cancer when used in accordance with the label’s instructions.
“Glyphosate and other widely used herbicides have been thoroughly tested and proven safe, and this bill reinforces that certainty for Missouri’s agricultural future,” Diehl said.
HB 544 heads to Missouri’s Senate for further discussion.