Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

Feb. 7, 2025

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Kenny Ross: 

 573-751-2076

Pulling Out the Roots

This week my Senate Bill 105, dealing with combating invasive plant species in Missouri, was heard in the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee. This crucial piece of legislation is aimed at addressing the growth of invasive plant species across our state. This bill seeks to slow and stop the spread of these non-native plants, halting the negative effect they have on Missouri’s ecosystem and economy.

Invasive plant species pose a significant threat to Missouri’s natural ecosystem. They often outcompete native plants, leading to a decline in their population and subsequent reduction in the biodiversity of Missouri. This can disrupt habitats for wildlife and, ultimately, result in a more vulnerable environment. 

Senate Bill 105 requires all nurseries in this state to sign an affidavit annually that they shall not knowingly or intentionally sell or distribute any viable plant or seeds of the following invasive species: climbing euonymus, Japanese honeysuckle, Sericea lespedeza, Burning bush or Callery pear. 

The economic impact of doing nothing to stop the spread of invasive plant species can be profound. These plants hinder agriculture and increase land management costs for farmers and ranchers. As a rancher myself, I know that those of us involved in agriculture in Missouri have enough to worry about without having to constantly combat the spread of invasive plants that harm our ability to feed the world. This is why I have focused on this legislation in years past and continually fought to move it forward.

By stopping the spread of these plants at the point of sale, I hope that over time we can slow the spread of these invasive plant species and eventually eradicate them from Missouri’s ecosystem. Now, with the hearing from the Agriculture Committee on this bill completed we have taken the first step in the passage of this bill.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.