The repeals and modifies certain provisions relating to land survey
The proposed changes will have direct implications on how land records are managed and how fees are assigned for recording instruments. A portion of the fees collected due to this bill will be directed to the Missouri Land Survey Fund, which is established for the purposes related to land surveying as outlined in the new statutes. This could enhance the funding available for essential land surveying activities and infrastructure, thereby improving the overall efficiency of land records management and preservation efforts across Missouri.
Senate Bill 578 seeks to repeal and replace several sections of existing state law related to land surveying practices. Specifically, the bill repeals sections 59.319, 60.530, 60.560, 60.580, 60.590, 60.610, and 60.620 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo), and establishes new provisions that govern the operations and funding mechanisms for land surveyors and the recording of land documents. This legislation is an effort to modernize existing regulations and update the framework under which land surveying is conducted in the state.
Overall, SB578 represents a significant shift in the approach toward land surveying and record management in Missouri. By streamlining existing regulations and creating directed funding mechanisms, the bill aims to enhance the operational effectiveness of land surveyors while ensuring the sustainability of land records. The success of SB578 will depend on its implementation and how various stakeholders adapt to the changes instituted by this legislation.
Discussion around SB578 may arise in terms of its fiscal impacts on local government entities, as they handle the collection of fees—such as the new four-dollar user fee for recording any instrument—and their allocation to the state treasury. Some stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of the proposed fee structure and whether the funds will sufficiently support local needs for record storage and preservation. Additionally, the aspects of accountability and access to records could be points of concern, as the bill includes provisions for recorders and various state departments to cooperate in the management of land records efficiently.