It is hard to believe, but we have reached the final weeks of the 2019 legislative session. After approving the budget, my colleagues and I have continued to work on several other important pieces of legislation, including two regarding property rights.
On Monday, April 29, we debated Senate Bill 391. This legislation deals with concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Part of this legislation prohibits county commissioners and county health boards from instituting rules or regulations that conflict or are stricter than the rules and regulations put forth by the Department of Health and Senior Services. As long as property owners are in compliance with the department’s regulations, they should have the freedom to choose how they manage their land and livestock and not be subject to stricter regulations.
On Wednesday, May 1, House Bill 1062 was heard by the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee. This proposal specifies that no private entity has the power of eminent domain for the purposes of constructing above-ground merchant lines. The original purpose of eminent domain was to use private land in a way that would benefit the entire community. Private companies are using eminent domain to build on an individual’s private property for private gain. While the land owners are compensated for the use of their land, sometimes the damage caused by the projects can have lasting effects on the property. Property owners should not be forced to agree to their land being used by a private company to construct these above-ground merchant lines.
Both pieces of legislation have the potential to affect property rights in our state. It is my job as your state legislator to protect your interests, and I certainly support the rights of all property owners in our state. I look forward to further discussing SB 391 and HB 1062 with my colleagues.
Capitol Visits
I always appreciate hearing your opinions and concerns regarding your state government. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4008. You may write me at Gary Romine, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or email me at gary.romine@senate.mo.gov. For more information, please visit my official Senate webpage at www.senate.mo.gov/romine.