JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The state Senate has given initial approval to a significant fee increase on companies that sell pesticides in Missouri.
Legislation endorsed Tuesday by a voice vote would charge businesses a $150 annual registration fee for each pesticide product they sell or transport in Missouri. The current fee is $15.
Democratic Sen. Wes Shoemyer, of Clarence, says his bill would raise Missouri's fee closer to those charged by neighboring states. It also would help fund programs in the Department of Agriculture.
But Shoemyer's bill is opposed by some who equate it to a tax increase.
Republican Sen. Chuck Purgason, of Caulfield, said he plans to kill the bill if it's referred to his Committee on Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight.
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