MO HB1840

Establishes the "Missouri Rice Certification Act" to regulate rice varieties with characteristics of commercial impact that could affect marketability if commingled with other rice.

Creates a Rice Advisory Council with 10 members including the agriculture director, three director appointees (handler, end user, and biotechnology representatives), and six members recommended by the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council.

Prohibits persons from introducing, selling, planting, producing, harvesting, transporting, storing, processing, or handling rice identified as having characteristics of commercial impact, except as permitted by department rules.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to maintain rice integrity, require notifications for planting and processing of restricted rice varieties, investigate violations, and collect reasonable fees for sampling and testing.

Creates the "Missouri Rice Certification Fund" to hold fees collected under the act, with funds administered by the Department of Agriculture and carried over between biennia without reversion to general revenue.

Establishes penalties of not less than $10,000 nor more than $100,000 per day per violation and requires the department to provide written notice and appeals process for alleged violations.