I attended a ceremonial bill signing earlier this month for Senate Bill 1424, which protects state poultry producers from civil lawsuits if they already are following a state-approved waste disposal plan.If producers are found in violation of their nutrient management plan, they could face increased fines of up to $10,000 a day. But ultimately the bill’s purpose is to protect poultry farmers who live in our state who are already following the law from frivolous lawsuits that would slow or stop their production.When answering questions on this bill on the House floor, I heard some concerns about the potential effect on water quality. I explained that because of better business practices by the state’s poultry farmers and stronger regulations and oversight we now have in place, the water quality in our state has improved. We’ve significantly decreased the phosphorous and nitrogen going into our streams because of these efforts. This bill will not change that trajectory.This measure was formally signed into law by the governor on May 31, but Gov. Stitt annually holds ceremonial bill signings to allow lawmakers and others involved in particular pieces of legislation to take part in this part of the process. I was happy to author this bill in the House, and even happier to see it signed into law. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the ceremonial signing as well.Also at the Capitol recently, the Senate convened in special session at the governor’s request to approve his appointment of Jennifer Henderson Callahan for an eight-year term on the Board of Regents for the and send the issue to the planning and zoning board with instructions to properly zone all businesses now located along the street then address any other changes as they are applied for.“We could save money by doing it all at once,” Jarvis said. “You’ve got to have the zoning before franchises will look at that property. We need to get our zoning up to date.”Councilman Ken Vogt opposed the blanket zoning idea. “You can’t put something on a piece of property that would be detrimental to the neighbors. It would violate their rights.” Under city ordinance, a piece of property to be rezoned has to go through a public hearing process and all neighbors within 300 feet are notified.Resident Glen Watkins agreed. “You should go through the property procedures,” he said.Jack Evans urged the council to address drainage issues with ...
