MO HB1774

Repeals and replaces section 523.262, RSMo, governing the power of eminent domain for utilities and other entities.

Restricts eminent domain power for electric transmission lines that originate and terminate in a single non-Missouri state while traversing specific counties: counties of the third classification without township government having 33,000-37,000 inhabitants with a fourth-class county seat city of 3,000-3,700 inhabitants, or counties with 23,000-26,000 inhabitants with a fourth-class county seat city of 700-800 inhabitants.

Permits private utilities, public utilities, rural electric cooperatives, municipally owned utilities, pipelines, railroads, and common carriers to exercise eminent domain as authorized under other Missouri statutes, subject to the restrictions in subsection 2.

Requires entities acquiring property for power generation facilities constructed after December 31, 2006 to either publish notice in a newspaper and conduct a public meeting prior to making purchase offers, or provide property owners written notification of the condemning authority and proposed purpose at the time of initial offer.

Applies federal Uniform Relocation Assistance Act provisions to displaced persons unless the condemning entity is already subject to that federal law.