State Sen. John Kuehn proposed a constitutional amendment for Nebraska to guarantee farming and ranching rights, said Associated Press. It would require state officials to show a compelling state interest if they want to restrict agricultural technology and livestock production. If approved by legislators, the amendment would go to a statewide referendum. Nebraskans adopted a constitutional amendment in 2012 to guarantee the right to hunt and fish, said AP. Advocates of these laws say they will prevent environmentalists, animal rights groups, and the federal government from limiting the agricultural economy. Opponents say the laws are designed to protect the interests of industrial agriculture.
Oklahoma is to vote on Nov. 8 on a “right to farm” constitutional amendment that says, “The Legislature shall pass no law which abridges the right of citizens and lawful residents of Oklahoma to employ agricultural technology and livestock production and ranching practices without a compelling state interest.” Missouri adopted a “right to farm” amendment in 2014. North Dakota was the first state, in 2012, to approve such an amendment.