Eminent Domain Reform for Missouri

Chicago-based sustainable energy company Invenergy has been working to develop a 4,000 megawatt transmission line across southwest Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.

But, to do so the company needs to purchase the land that the transmission line is planning on running through. The company has secured several thousand parcels of that land through individual negations with the land owners but if the owners refuse to sell then the company could take them to court to secure eminent domain.

Eminent domain is, “the right of the government or its agents to expropriate private property for public use with payment or compensation.” This has caused some concern for farmers and land owners who are not interested in selling their land. This has triggered much backlash against the company and has inspired action from legislators during the Missouri General Assembly.

The senate has worked to pass newer eminent domain laws that protect the property rights of private Missouri land owners while keeping the state of Missouri “open for business”

Since the bill has been passed by the senate it must now seek approval from the House who will either push it through or request conference with the senate to fix issues they may have with it.