MO SB1698

Reduces the family ownership requirement for "heritage value" compensation from 50 years to 20 years, entitling property owners to an additional 50% of fair market value when their land is condemned

Creates new "beginning farmer taking" category providing 125% of fair market value plus tax compensation for agricultural/horticultural property owned by farmers with 10 or fewer years of experience who are Missouri residents

Requires condemning authorities to provide 15 days written notice before surveying property and 5 days notice before entering acquired easements, with obligations to remove debris, repair damage, and restore land after use

Extends notice period for condemnation petitions from 10 days to 60 days, gives property owners 30 days to answer and assert affirmative defenses, and requires condemning authorities to prove their statutory authority by clear and convincing evidence

Mandates attorney's fees be awarded to property owners when commissioners or jury awards exceed the condemning authority's offer, and imposes civil penalties up to $100,000 for violations of easement maintenance requirements