SCS/HCS/HB 250 - The act prohibits the denial of access to trails and roads on state-owned or state-managed public land for the purpose of riding a horse or mule when equestrian use has been up to that point a permissible use on such trails or roads. The act allows such trails or roads to be closed to equestrian use only when conditions are determined not suitable due to public safety, necessary maintenance, or conflict with the mission of the land-managing agency. In such cases, a sign must be posted at the trailhead stating the cause and estimated duration of the closure. Under current law, the statutory definition of "soil and water conservation cost-share program" refers to a program designed to control and prevent soil erosion. This act modifies the definition by adding that the program shall also be designed to protect the state's water resources and specifies that the program shall preserve the productive power of Missouri’s agricultural land.
The act contains an emergency clause for the soil and water conservation program provision.
This act is similar to SB 1198 (2008), HB 1438 (2008), and HB 354 (2007).
ERIKA JAQUES