SCS SB 558 -- Soil and Water Conservation

Sponsor: Howard

This substitute repeals conflicting statutes on the composition of the Soil and Water Districts Commission and establishes that the commission includes 6 farmer members, with 3 from north and 3 from south of the Missouri River. Four farmer members constitute a quorum. The substitute also adds the Director of the Department of Conservation as an ex-officio commission member. The commission is authorized to provide training programs and other assistance to soil and water conservation districts.

Further, the substitute requires soil and water conservation districts to obtain commission approval before buying or selling farm products used in soil conservation. The commission must seek public comments on any approval request and may grant approval only if the products are reasonably related to soil conservation and not readily available in the area.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.