JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri General Assembly passed SS HCS HB 2005 this week, giving final approval to legislation to strengthen private property protections for Missouri’s family farms. HB 2005, sponsored by Rep. Mike Haffner (R-Pleasant Hill) and its companion bill carried by Sen. Jason Bean (R-Peach Orchard), will now be delivered to Governor Parson for signature.
“I am proud to partner with Senator Bean to protect Missouri family farmers, the constitution, and our core foundational principles,” Rep. Mike Haffner said. “It is long past time to reform our eminent domain statutes and provide foundational protection to property owners. This bill says Missouri is open for economic development, especially to improve our electrical grid, but it will not come on the backs of Missouri farmers, ranchers and landowners.”
“As fifth-generation family farmer, I know how important this bill is to countless farmers and landowners throughout Missouri. These laws needed to be clarified because eminent domain should be used only for necessary public services that truly serve the common good,” Sen. Jason Bean said. “Meaningful eminent domain reforms are long overdue and I’m proud to lead my colleagues in delivering this long-awaited win for Missouri farmers.”
Both bill sponsors stressed the urgency of the reforms, noting construction of new high voltage lines is expected to start this summer in Missouri.
The bill has been a top legislative priority of Missouri’s leading agriculture organizations, including the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers Association, and Missouri Soybean Association.
“This bill is a major step toward ensuring eminent domain laws are not abused for private gain,” Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher said. “I want to thank each of my colleagues who made this bill’s passage possible and our bill sponsors for their leadership and commitment to strengthening every Missourian’s constitutional rights.”
The full bill and summary for SS HCS HB 2005 may be found here.
