HCS HB 272 -- OFFICIAL STATE REPTILE

SPONSOR:  Marsh (Viebrock)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Tourism by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute designates the three-toed box turtle as the
official state reptile.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the three-toed box turtle is the
most common turtle in Missouri, and it is a native species which
makes it an ideal choice as the official state reptile.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Viebrock.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that the three-toed
box turtle is found throughout Missouri, except in the extreme
northwest  corner of the state.  It's commonly found in a variety
of woodland habitats.  This turtle is long-lived, and many people
saw them as children when they first began exploring nature
making it an ideal choice as the official state reptile.

Testifying on the bill was Department of Conservation.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am