Specifies that no more than twenty percent of land within a county may be collectively owned by the state, a county, and municipalities
This legislation aims to address concerns about the growing amount of land owned collectively by government entities at the local, county, and state levels. Proponents of the bill argue that it will help preserve a balance between public and private land ownership and will mitigate the overreach of government entities acquiring excessive property, which could potentially impact local economies and land use patterns. By requiring local governments to actively support additional acquisitions through a resolution, the bill also emphasizes community involvement in decisions regarding land ownership.
House Bill 1799 seeks to amend Chapter 67 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing a new section that restricts the acquisition of real property in third or fourth classification counties. Specifically, the bill stipulates that if the federal government, state, county, and municipalities collectively own at least twenty percent of the real property within any such county, they are prohibited from purchasing additional real property or receiving property through donation, gift, or any other means without the adoption of a majority resolution from the county commission in support of the acquisition. This move is intended to limit the extent of state and local government land ownership.
Despite its intended protective measures, the bill has raised concerns among certain stakeholders who fear it may hinder necessary public projects and investments. Critics argue that the restrictions could limit governments' ability to respond to urgent needs for public land, such as parks, infrastructure, or other community services. The debate centers around finding a balance between restricting excessive governmental control over land and ensuring that local entities have the flexibility to make land-use decisions that serve the public interest effectively.