MO HB2397

Limits eminent domain power to governmental bodies, agencies with elected or appointed governing bodies, and urban redevelopment corporations with redevelopment agreements executed by December 31, 2006, provided the acquired property is owned by a public entity, political subdivision, or governmental entity or agency.

Grants eminent domain power to private utility companies, public utilities, rural electric cooperatives, municipally owned utilities, pipelines, railroads, and common carriers as authorized by other state laws, excluding motor carriers, contract carriers, and express companies.

Requires entities using eminent domain for property displacement to comply with relocation assistance provisions under state law unless subject to federal Uniform Relocation Assistance Act requirements.

Mandates that any entity acquiring property for power generation facilities after December 31, 2006 must either publish notice in a local newspaper and hold a public meeting disclosing the facility's purpose before making purchase offers, or notify the property owner of the condemning authority's identity and intended use at the time of initial offer.