MO HJR17

Submits to Missouri voters a constitutional amendment adding Section 35 to Article I, to be voted on at the general election in November 2012 or a special election called by the governor.

Establishes the "Freedom in Agriculture Act" recognizing agriculture as foundational to Missouri's economy and guaranteeing citizens the right to harvest wildlife, grow crops, and raise animals in a humane manner without undue economic burden.

Restricts state laws regulating crop growth and animal welfare to those based on generally accepted and validated scientific principles, enacted by the legislature or adopted as administrative rules reviewed by the joint committee on administrative rules.

Defines covered animals as equine, bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, avian, ratite birds, aquatic products, llamas, alpacas, buffalo, elk, deer from legal sources, and exotic animals.

Excludes genetically modified crops and plants regulated under criminal law from the amendment's protections, and provides that existing statutes and regulations are unaffected.