LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - An Arkansas judge has struck down part of a law that allows agriculture groups to name representatives to the state Plant Board.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza issued the ruling Thursday in a lawsuit agribusiness giant Monsanto had filed against the panel over restrictions on the use of the herbicide dicamba.
The state Supreme Court in June agreed with an earlier Piazza decision dismissing part of the lawsuit challenging the restrictions, but ordered Piazza to review the complaints over the Plant Board law.
Attorneys for Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, argued that the Arkansas law setting up the board unconstitutionally delegated powers because nine of the 16 voting members are selected by agriculture groups.
Piazza said he was inclined to stay his ruling while, or if, the case is appealed to the state Supreme Court.
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