Ohio House Passes Legislation Exempting Milkweed Seed Distribution

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 364, legislation that exempts certain non-commercial seed-sharing activities from laws governing seed labeling, inspection, and advertising. The legislation is sponsored by State Reps. Dave Dobos (R-Columbus) and Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland).

Specifically, House Bill 364 exempts any non-commercial seed sharing to conserve plants that are necessary for the sustainment and growth of threatened or endangered species. It also exempts non-commercial seed sharing to conserve or create native plants.

“The idea for this bill was brought to us by one of my constituents, David Donofrio, who serves as the Vice President of the Ohio Prairie Association,” said Dobos. “Some of the organization’s members wanted to share seeds of milkweed plants to help our dwindling monarch butterfly population, but current law prohibits it.”

In the past 20 years, the Monarch butterfly population has plummeted by nearly 90%. Monarch butterflies are famous for their migration starting in Mexico and coming to Ohio, where they lay their eggs only on milkweed, which then serves as their only source of food before they travel back.

“House Bill 364 will fix an unintended consequences caused by restrictions on seed sharing,” said Klopfenstein. “By allowing certain seed sharing, we will help boost conservation efforts around the state.” 

House Bill 364 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.