OSAGE BEACH, MISSOURI (January 17, 2022) – Protecting private property rights in Missouri was the top priority for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association during the 2021 legislative session. The efforts of Representative Kent Haden (R-43) and Senators Jeanie Riddle (R-10) and Jason Bean (R-25) in that regard served as reasoning for the association to honor these elected leaders with its 2021 Legislator of the Year awards. The awards were presented at the 54th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention on Jan. 8, 2022, at Osage Beach.
Rep. Haden’s HB 574 refines what agencies or entities have authority to inspect farms and ranches in Missouri. MCA 2021 President Patty Wood said the legislation is intended to provide clarity to respective regulatory agencies and to farm and ranch families.
“It is important that rules and regulations are scientifically founded and enforced by experts who understand that science,” said Wood. “We have been working alongside Rep. Haden and Sen. Riddle for a few years on this legislation, and it is a victory for farm and ranch families to see it cross the finish line. We could not be more appreciative of their continued work on this issue.”
Sen. Bean’s SB 508 calls for the prohibition of for-profit companies using the power of eminent domain to make money at the expense of landowners while providing little to no benefit to the state.
“Eminent domain was always intended to be used as a last resort for critical needs and infrastructure to benefit the general public. It was never intended to be used as a way for private, for-profit companies to acquire cheap land,” said MCA Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee Chair Jimmie Long. “Sen. Bean stood for private property rights and fought relentlessly on behalf of Missouri landowners.”
Rep. Haden was first elected in 2018. Sen. Riddle was first elected to the House in 2008 and to the Senate in 2014. Sen. Bean was first elected in 2020.
“These three elected leaders fought for farm families and private property rights. They earned recognition from this association,” said Wood.
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