Property Rights
The purpose of eminent domain is to acquire land for infrastructure and other critical needs for the
betterment of the state. It was intended to be used as a last resort. The five-person, Governor
appointed Public Service Commission is responsible for designating eminent domain authority and
handling complaints. The current structure of the commission allows for the void of rural/agricultural
representation on the commission. This is especially concerning as the power grid has traditionally
been built on the backs of farm and ranch families. MCA will support legislation to ensure eminent
domain is not a tool used to deprive citizens of their private property rights. MCA will also support
legislation to expand the size of the PSC to include representation of landowners.
SB 577 - Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin
SB 591 - Sen. Mike Bernskoetter
HB 1052 - Rep. Mike Haffner
HB 1044 - Rep. Mike Haffner
Farm and Ranch Viability
The average age of a farmer/ranch is nearing 60 years-old and less than 5 percent are under 35 years old. Repopulating the land with the next generation of food producers in essential. MCA led the “Beginning Farmer Initiative” in 2015 as an incentive to keep land in production agriculture by allowing current agricultural asset owners to earn tax deductions for leasing or selling assets to beginning farmers. The legislation did not advance to a vote in the Missouri Senate. MCA will once again lead legislation to thoughtfully address the challenges association with transitioning productive farm and ranch property to the next generation.
SB 588- Sen. Denny Hoskins
SB 618- Sen. John Rizzo
HB 1023- Rep, Dane Diehl
Large animal veterinarians are essential to beef cattle producers. MCA will support the expansion and modification of the large animal veterinarian student loan program to allow for more students to participate and eventually practice in underserved areas in the state. This program simply helps students pay for veterinary school if they practice in an underserved rural area in the state. Funds are only available when the student completes his/her obligation. MCA will also support legislation that prohibits political subdivisions from promulgating scientifically unfounded ordinances restricting or interfering with the practice of veterinary medicine.
HB 403- Rep. Kent Haden
SB 529- Sen. Justin Brown
HB 801- Rep. Jim Murphy
SB 115- Sen. Justin Brown.
