Those operations may not be as controversial as mega hog farms, but local government still should be able to impose local regulations as warranted.

In fact, at least one county already has placed additional rules on turkey farms, in part, for fear that their proliferation would damage broader efforts for economic development.

Home rule shouldn't be dependent upon the whim of legislators who want to gratify special interests. County councils should be able to make decisions at the county level without having their hands tied by the Legislature. The bill would restrict councils from making local rules that are more restrictive than state regulations.

Counties have imposed more stringent hog farm rules where local residents have demanded them. They should be able to do so for a broad range of activities that are subject to local land-use controls. The Senate is not expected to act on the bill before the Legislature adjourns this year. A better solution would be for the Senate simply to reject it without delay as an unwarranted intrusion on home rule.