MO HB1848

Establishes a Joint Committee on Urban Farming composed of 10 appointed members (5 from Senate, 5 from House) with additional ex officio nonvoting members from the general assembly.

Committee must meet within 30 days of effectiveness, select a chairperson and vice chairperson (one from each chamber), and submit a final report with recommendations to the Speaker, President Pro Tem, and Governor by December 31, 2010.

Committee shall study trends in urban farming, existing services and resources, community impact, and needed state legislation regarding urban farm cooperatives, vertical farming, and sustainable living communities.

Requires minimum of one public hearing in each of three urban regions in Missouri and authorizes the committee to solicit input from state departments, agencies, political subdivisions, and the public.

Establishes a 12-member Urban Farming Advisory Subcommittee including directors from Agriculture, Economic Development, Health and Senior Services, and Natural Resources, plus eight additional members with relevant expertise.

Provisions expire January 1, 2011; committee members serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for necessary expenses paid from the joint contingent fund.