JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 544, a bill that seeks to standardize pesticide labeling requirements in the state. The legislation specifies that pesticides registered by federal agencies or labeled in accordance with federal guidelines will fulfill any state-mandated cancer warning label requirements.
The bill, sponsored by State Representative Dane Diehl, is designed to harmonize state and federal regulations for pesticides, particularly glyphosate-based herbicides, which are among the most widely studied products in the United States.
“This bill is crucial for Missouri’s top industry—agriculture—ensuring access to essential products that feed, clothe, and fuel our state, nation, and beyond,” said Rep. Diehl, R-Butler. “It upholds a trusted process with some of the toughest regulations in the U.S., recognized globally for its rigorous standards. This legislation also ensures consistency between state and federal standards, preventing unnecessary confusion while protecting both farmers and consumers. Glyphosate and other widely used herbicides have been thoroughly tested and proven safe, and this bill reinforces that certainty for Missouri’s agricultural future.”
Supporters of the bill argue that these herbicides, when used according to the label’s instructions, are proven to be safe and non-carcinogenic. They point to extensive regulatory testing conducted by both U.S. and international agencies that has consistently found glyphosate to be safe for use.
With a vote of 85-72, HB 544 now heads to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.
Representative Dane Diehl, a Republican, represents Bates, Vernon, and Cedar Counties (District 125) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first term in November of 2022. For more information, contact Rep. Diehl’s office by phone at 573-751-4065 or email at Dane.Diehl@house.mo.gov.