For some it's just a hobby, but for others...it's a way of life.

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Intro:	A cherished way of life for many Missourians would be protected with a bill banning the prohibition of rodeos.
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Wrap: The Emerging Issues in Agriculture Committee heard a bill that would ban the state from prohibiting rodeos.

People who support the bill say it would not only protect businesses, but people's everyday life.

Owner of Championship Youth Bull Riding Randy Russell was in favor of the bill and says a rodeo family is a different kind of family.

Actuality:	RUSSELL2.WAV
Run Time:	00:13
Description: "We try teaching these kids ethics, morals, like with our association they're not allowed to swear or anything like that. There is no drug, no alcohol allowed to be advertised at all period."

Actuality: RUSSELL2.WAV

Run Time: 00:13
Description: "We try teaching these kids ethics, morals, like with our association they're not allowed to swear or anything like that. There is no drug, no alcohol allowed to be advertised at all period."

An opponent of the bill says it didn't include a clear definition of what a rodeo is.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.

Intro:	Missouri lawmakers want to send a message to animal rights special interest groups that rodeos aren't going anywhere.
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Wrap: A bill that would ban Missouri from prohibiting rodeos was backed with passionate supporting arguments.

Owner of Championship Youth Bull Riding Randy Russell says rodeos are his livelihood.

Actuality:	RUSSELL.WAVE
Run Time:	00:05
Description: "It's been a big part of my life, my whole life and same way with my family."

Meta Representative Tom Hurst sponsored the bill because believes rodeos are tradition and way of life.

Actuality:	HURST.WAVE
Run Time:	00:03
Description: "Basically what we'd like to do is just be able to preserve that for future generations."

Animal rights activist Bob Baker says he would like to see the bill have a clear definition of what a rodeo is.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.

Intro:	A committee hearing covering the "rodeo bill" stirred up some emotion.
RunTime:	0:39
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The House Agriculture Committee heard a bill that would ban the state from prohibiting rodeos.

Although most people testified in favor of the bill, one animal rights activist Bob Baker requested a change before the bill moves any further.

Actuality:	BAKER.WAV
Run Time:	00:07
Description: "It's defining the term rodeo. Our concern is that there is Mexican rodeos starting to gain some popularity here in this country."

Meta Representative Tom Hurst sponsored the bill because he doesn't want to see any changes in the rodeo industry.

He says this isn't just a proactive bill...the threat from special interest groups is already present.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.